Question 1

What is the role of xylem in the transport of water in plants?

Accepted Answer

In the Cambridge Lower Secondary Science curriculum, xylem is a key component of plant biology. It is responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. This process is essential for maintaining plant structure and supporting photosynthesis. The xylem vessels are long tubes that facilitate this upward movement through a process known as transpiration.

Question 2

How does phloem transport nutrients in plants?

Accepted Answer

Phloem is another vital tissue in plant transport systems, as covered in the Cambridge Lower Secondary Biology curriculum. It transports organic nutrients, particularly sucrose, from the leaves where they are produced during photosynthesis to other parts of the plant. This process, known as translocation, ensures that energy is distributed to growing tissues and storage organs.

Question 3

What is transpiration and why is it important for plants?

Accepted Answer

Transpiration is the process by which water evaporates from the leaves of plants, creating a negative pressure that draws more water up through the xylem from the roots. This process is crucial for cooling the plant, maintaining nutrient flow, and enabling photosynthesis. Understanding transpiration is essential for students studying plant biology in the Cambridge Lower Secondary Science curriculum.

Question 4

How do root hairs aid in the absorption of water and minerals?

Accepted Answer

Root hairs are tiny extensions of root cells that increase the surface area for absorption. They play a critical role in taking up water and minerals from the soil, which are then transported through the xylem to other parts of the plant. This concept is fundamental in the study of plant transport systems in the Cambridge Lower Secondary Biology syllabus.

Question 5

What factors affect the rate of transpiration in plants?

Accepted Answer

Several factors influence the rate of transpiration, including temperature, humidity, wind, and light intensity. Higher temperatures and wind speeds increase transpiration rates, while high humidity decreases it. Light intensity affects the opening of stomata, which are pores on the leaf surface, thus impacting transpiration. These factors are important for students to understand in the context of plant biology and transport systems in the Cambridge Lower Secondary Science curriculum.

Transport in Plants

Short Notes - Transport in Plants

Study Notes & Exam Tips

Transport in Plants — frequently asked questions