Role of Xylem and Phloem in Plant Transport

A collection of flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the transport mechanisms of water and nutrients in plants.

Xylem

The tissue in plants that transports water and mineral salts from the roots to the leaves.

Phloem

The tissue in plants that transports sugars produced by photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant.

Osmosis

The movement of water from an area of higher water potential to an area of lower water potential through a semipermeable membrane.

Hydrostatic pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at rest due to the force of gravity.

Transpiration

The process of evaporation of water from plant leaves which creates a pull that aids in water movement through xylem.

Active transport

The process of moving molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy, as seen in phloem during the movement of sucrose.

Cohesion

The attraction between water molecules that helps in the movement of water in the xylem.

Turgor pressure

The pressure of the cell contents against the cell wall, important for maintaining plant structure.

Source cells

Cells that supply sugars to the phloem, facilitating the transport of elaborated sap.

Companion cells

Living cells in phloem that support sieve tube elements in nutrient transport.