Summary
Transport in plants involves the movement of water, minerals, and nutrients through specialized tissues. Water is absorbed by roots and transported through xylem, while nutrients like sucrose are moved via phloem.
- Transpiration — the process of water vapor loss from plant leaves through stomata.
Example: Water exits the leaf when humidity is low, increasing transpiration. - Translocation — the movement of sugars from leaves to other parts of the plant through phloem.
Example: Sucrose moves from leaves to roots and fruits. - Xylem — tissue responsible for transporting water and minerals from roots to leaves.
Example: Red dye travels through xylem in experiments. - Phloem — tissue that transports nutrients like sugars throughout the plant.
Example: Phloem moves sucrose bidirectionally to supply growing regions. - Diffusion — the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration.
Example: Water vapor exits the stomata via diffusion.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Transpiration: Water loss through stomata
- Translocation: Movement of sugars in phloem
- Xylem: Water transport tissue
- Phloem: Nutrient transport tissue
Common Confusions
- Transpiration vs. Translocation
- Xylem vs. Phloem functions
Typical Exam Questions
- What happens to transpiration as humidity increases?
It decreases. - Why does a plant wilt?
Water loss is greater than water uptake. - How does sucrose move in a plant?
Through phloem, bidirectionally.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of water and nutrient transport
- Effects of environmental factors on transpiration
- Differences between xylem and phloem functions