Mass transport in plants Flashcards
Xylem
Xylem is a type of plant tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant. It is an essential component of the plant’s vascular system and plays a crucial role in maintaining the plant’s overall health and growth
Xylem importance
Xylem is important because it helps to provide essential nutrients and water to the plant, which is vital for its growth and survival. It also plays a role in the plant’s ability to withstand stress and disease, making it an important topic for understanding the overall biology of plants
How does the xylem work in plants
Xylem works by using transpiration pull and root pressure to move water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant. The water and nutrients are absorbed by the roots and then move up through the xylem vessels, where they are distributed to the rest of the plant
Transpiration pull in xylem
Transpiration pull is the process by which water is drawn up the xylem vessels due to the loss of water through the stomata on the leaves. As water evaporates from the leaves, it creates a negative pressure that pulls water up from the roots, keeping the plant hydrated
Root pressure in xylem
Root pressure is the pressure that is exerted by the roots of the plant to move water and nutrients up the xylem vessels. This pressure is created by the active transport of ions and other solutes into the root cells, which then exerts pressure on the surrounding water
Components of xylem
The main components of Xylem are the xylem vessels, tracheids, and parenchyma cells. The xylem vessels and tracheids are responsible for transporting water and nutrients, while the parenchyma cells play a supporting role in the xylem tissue
The cohesion-tension theory of water transport in the xylem
Water evaporates from the cells and leaves the plant once the stomata open
This creates a suction which pulls more water into the leaf
As water is cohesive due to hydrogen bonds, when one molecule moves other tend to follow, the whole column of the xylem moves upwards
Water enters through the roots
Phloem
The Phloem is a type of tissue in plants that is responsible for transporting food and nutrients from the leaves to other parts of the plant
Phloem function
The function of the Phloem is to transport food and nutrients from the leaves to other parts of the plant. This is done through a process known as translocation
How does the phloem transport food?
The Phloem transports food through a process known as translocation. This involves the movement of sugars and other nutrients from the source, such as the leaves, to the sink, such as the roots or developing fruits and seeds
Components of the phloem
The components of the Phloem include the sieve elements, companion cells, and phloem parenchyma. The sieve elements are the main conducting cells, while the companion cells are responsible for metabolic support and regulation. The phloem parenchyma are storage cells that store food and nutrients
Translocation in the phloem
Translocation in the Phloem is the process of moving food and nutrients from the source, such as the leaves, to the sink, such as the roots or developing fruits and seeds. This process involves the movement of sugars and other nutrients through the Phloem tissue
Phloem importance
The Phloem is important because it plays a crucial role in the transport of food and nutrients throughout the plant. This allows the plant to grow and develop properly, and also helps it to survive in challenging environments
Difference between xylem and phloem
Xylem and Phloem are two different types of plant tissue, each with its own specific functions. Xylem is responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant, while Phloem is responsible for transporting sugars and other organic compounds from the leaves to the rest of the plant
