Plant transport

What are the two types of vessels involved in plant transport?

Xylem and phloem.

What is the primary function of xylem vessels?

To transport water from the roots to the leaves.

What is the process called when xylem transports water?

Transpiration.

What does phloem transport?

Nutrients from a source to a sink.

What is translocation in the context of phloem?

The transport of nutrients from a source to a sink.

What are the two major types of leaf tissues involved in photosynthesis?

Palisade mesophyll and spongy mesophyll.

What structure in leaves allows for gas exchange?

Stomata.

What role do roots play in plant structure?

They optimize the uptake of water and minerals from soil.

What is the cuticle in plant tissue?

A waxy layer that limits water loss and absorption.

What features are included in the stem tissue of plants?

Epidermis, ground tissue, and vascular bundles.

What process leads to the upward movement of water through xylem?

Transpiration stream, involving mass flow.

What is root pressure?

A weak push effect created by water entering the stele from the soil.

How does evaporation contribute to water movement in plants?

It creates tension forces that pull water from the xylem.

What is capillary action?

The ascension of water through a tube against gravity due to adhesion and cohesion.

What is the role of root hairs in plants?

To increase surface area for water and mineral absorption.

What is the symplast pathway?

Water movement through the cytoplasm of connected cells.

What is the apoplast pathway?

Water movement through non-living spaces like cell walls.

What is the Casparian strip?

A barrier in the endodermis that restricts water movement and controls uptake.

What is meant by 'active translocation' in plants?

The active transport of sugars and organic molecules from source to sink.

What are the main components of phloem sap?

Sucrose, along with minerals, hormones, and amino acids.

What are sieve elements in phloem structure?

Cells that connect to form tubes with porous plates to allow material flow.

How do companion cells support phloem transport?

By providing metabolic support and facilitating loading and unloading at source and sink.

What is phloem loading?

An active process that occurs against a concentration gradient, requiring ATP.

How does excess solute concentration affect pressure in the phloem?

It creates a hypertonic solution that draws water and increases hydrostatic pressure.

What happens during phloem unloading?

Solutes are unloaded into sinks, resulting in lower solute concentration and drawing water back to xylem.

What is the role of minerals like Mg2+ and nitrates in plants?

They are absorbed for chlorophyll and amino acids, respectively.

How do root cells assist in mineral absorption?

By using proton pumps to displace positively charged minerals for absorption.

What occurs when water moves into roots via osmosis?

It follows mineral ions absorbed by the roots.

What is transpiration pull?

The process where water evaporates from stomata, creating tension that pulls new water from the xylem.

What structural feature of xylem allows for faster water transfer?

Vessel elements with fused end walls forming a continuous tube.

What results from the lack of live tissue in mature xylem?

Water transport becomes a passive process.

What does lignin do in xylem vessels?

Reinforces the cell walls of dead tissue for structural support.

What is the significance of stomatal pores in leaves?

They enable gas exchange and water loss.

What is the primary function of ground tissue in stems?

To assist in the transport and storage of materials.

How are xylem and phloem arranged in stems?

Xylem is located on the interior side and phloem on the exterior side.

What is the role of the endodermis in root tissue?

It controls the uptake of water and ions.

Why is it essential for phloem sap to move from source to sink?

To ensure nutrients are delivered to areas of growth or storage.

What characteristics do companion cells have?

Highly folded membranes for maximizing surface area to volume ratio.

How does the hydrostatic pressure gradient facilitate fluid movement in phloem?

It pushes sap from high pressure (source) to low pressure (sink).

What are two main processes involved in the movement of water through xylem?

Evaporation and transpirational pull, capillary action.

What assists in the transport of sap within phloem?

Mass flow driven by pressure gradients.

How does plant structure relate to its functions in transport?

The organization of leaves, stems, and roots optimizes water and nutrient transport.

What is the importance of stomata in plant physiology?

They regulate gas exchange and water loss in leaves.