Transportation in Plants

Root Hair Cells

Specialized plant cells that absorb water and minerals from the soil through extensions of their cell membranes.

Osmosis

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

Active Transport

The process of moving ions or molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Transpiration

The loss of water vapor from the leaves of plants, primarily through stomata.

Transpiration Pull

The mechanism by which water is drawn up through the xylem of plants due to evaporation from leaf surfaces.

Xylem

Vascular tissue in plants responsible for the transport of water and minerals from roots to leaves.

Phloem

Vascular tissue in plants that transports sugars and amino acids from sources to sinks.

Translocation

The movement of soluble products of photosynthesis, like sucrose and amino acids, from their source to their sink within the plant.

Cohesion

The attractive forces between water molecules that help maintain a continuous column of water in the xylem.

Wilting

The loss of turgor pressure in plant cells due to water loss, causing the plant to droop and lose structural support.