Unit 1: Transport in Plants

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards based on Unit 1 Transport in Plants covering tissues, processes, absorption mechanisms, and mineral nutrients.

Transportation in Plants

The process in which substances absorbed or synthesized in one part of the plant are moved to other parts of the plant.

Vascular Bundle

The conducting system of a plant consisting of xylem and phloem tissues.

Xylem

A conducting tissue that forms a tubular passage to transport water and mineral salts from the roots to the aerial parts of the plant.

Tracheids

Elongated dead cells with tapering ends and lateral pores that provide mechanical strength and conduct water upwards.

Xylem Vessels

Tube-like structures open at both ends placed one above another that provide mechanical support and conduct water upwards.

Xylem Parenchyma

Small, thick-walled, living cells in xylem that store food and help conduct water and mineral salts.

Xylem Sclerenchyma

Thick-walled, long, narrow dead cells with tapering ends that provide only mechanical support to the plant.

Xylem Rings

Rings seen in the transversely cut trunk of an old tree, used to determine the age of the tree.

Phloem

A conducting tissue that transports food manufactured by leaves to various parts of the plant.

Sieve Tubes

Cylindrical cells devoid of a nucleus arranged in vertical rows with perforated end walls called sieve plates that transport food material.

Companion Cells

Living, thin-walled, elongated cells attached to the sides of sieve tubes that help in food conduction.

Phloem Parenchyma

Thin-walled parenchymatous cells in phloem that store food.

Phloem Fibres

Dead sclerenchyma fibres formed of elongated cells that provide mechanical strength and support to the plant.

Translocation of Solutes

The transport of food as a sucrose solution through the phloem upwards and downwards to all parts of the plant.

Capillarity

The attraction of water molecules towards narrow spaces.

Root-Hair

A long protuberance of an epidermal cell of the root that absorbs water and minerals from the soil.

Freely Permeable Membrane

A membrane, such as the cell wall, that permits the movement of all types of substances through it.

Semi-Permeable Membrane

A membrane, such as the cell membrane, that allows water molecules to pass through while preventing larger molecules.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules of a gas, liquid, or solid from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of water molecules from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution across a semi-permeable membrane.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules from a lower concentration to a higher concentration, requiring energy.

Endosmosis

The entry of water into cells across a semi-permeable membrane causing them to swell.

Exosmosis

The exit of water from cells across a semi-permeable membrane causing them to shrink.

Ascent of Sap

The upward movement of water and dissolved minerals (sap) through the stem into the leaves.

Root Pressure

The pressure developed in the root due to continuous inflow of water via cell-to-cell osmosis, pushing plant sap upwards.

Transpiration

The loss of water in the form of water vapour from the aerial parts of a plant.

Transpirational Pull

The suction force created in xylem vessels by transpiration that pulls water up from the roots to the stem and leaves.

Cohesion

The tendency of water molecules to remain joined together.

Adhesion

The tendency of water molecules to stick to the sides of xylem vessels.

Macronutrients

Essential nutrient elements required by plants in larger concentrations, including Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.

Micronutrients

Essential nutrient elements required by plants in very small amounts, including Iron, Manganese, and Zinc.

Nitrogen (N)

A macronutrient essential for protein synthesis; deficiency causes yellowing of leaves and wrinkling of cereal grains.

Phosphorus (P)

A macronutrient constituent of cell membranes and proteins; deficiency causes purple and red spots on leaves and delayed seed germination.

Potassium (K)

A macronutrient involved in stomata opening/closing; deficiency results in poor growth and reduced rate of transpiration.

Iron (Fe)

A micronutrient constituent of some proteins; deficiency causes yellowing of leaves.

Manganese (Mn)

A micronutrient constituent of enzymes; deficiency leads to yellowing of leaves with grey spots.

Zinc (Zn)

A micronutrient constituent of plant hormones that activates enzymes; deficiency causes deshaped leaves, yellowing of leaves, and stunted plant growth.