Transport in Plants II

Flashcards to help understand key concepts of transport mechanisms in plants, including transpiration, xylem and phloem functioning, and stomatal regulation.

Transpiration

The evaporation of water from a plant’s surface, leading to water loss.

Xylem sap

The bulk flow of water and minerals from the roots to the stems and leaves of plants.

Root pressure

The pressure generated in the xylem due to water flow from the root cortex when mineral ions are pumped into the xylem.

Guttation

The process of exuding water droplets on leaf edges, caused by root pressure.

Transpiration-cohesion-tension mechanism

The process by which water is pulled upward in the xylem due to negative pressure from transpiration.

Cohesion

The attraction between water molecules that helps in upward transport of water in plants.

Adhesion

The attraction of water molecules to cell walls, which helps offset the force of gravity during water transport.

Stomata

Small openings on the leaf surface that control water loss and gas exchange.

Guard cells

Cells that flank each stoma, controlling its opening and closing through changes in turgor pressure.

Circadian rhythms

Internal clocks that govern daily cycles in organisms, affecting processes such as stomatal opening.

Abscisic acid

A hormone produced in response to water deficiency, causing stomatal closure.

Xerophytes

Plants adapted to arid climates, often utilizing specialized strategies to reduce water loss.

Phloem sap

An aqueous solution high in sucrose that transports the products of photosynthesis from sources to sinks.

Translocation

The process of transporting sugars through the phloem from sources to sinks.

Symplastic pathway

A route for sugar movement through the cytoplasm of cells connected by plasmodesmata.

Apoplastic pathway

A route for sugar movement through the cell walls and extracellular spaces.