Transport in Plants I

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to transportation in plants, including processes, structures, and mechanisms essential for plant survival.

Transport in plants

The movement of water, minerals, and photosynthesis products within a plant, critical for its survival and functioning.

Xylem

A type of plant tissue responsible for the transport of water and minerals from roots to the rest of the plant.

Phloem

A type of plant tissue responsible for the transport of sugars and nutrients produced during photosynthesis.

Leaf area index

A measure of the area of leaves relative to the ground area, indicating how effectively a plant captures light.

Symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi

Mutualistic relationships between plant roots and fungi that enhance nutrient absorption.

Diffusion

The passive movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Active transport

The movement of solutes against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane, influenced by solute concentration.

Water potential (Ψ)

A measure of the potential energy in water, influencing water movement; determined by solute and pressure potential.

Turgor pressure

The pressure exerted by the fluid inside the cell against the cell wall, crucial for maintaining plant rigidity.

Cotransport

The coupling of the diffusion of one substance (e.g., H+) to the active transport of another (e.g., sucrose).

Proton pump

A transport protein that moves protons (H+) across a membrane, creating a proton gradient used for energy.

Casparian strip

A waxy barrier in the endodermis of roots that regulates the movement of water and minerals into the vascular system.

Plasmolysis

The shrinking of the protoplast away from the cell wall due to loss of water, occurring in flaccid cells placed in hypertonic environments.

Transpiration

The process of water movement through a plant, leading to evaporation from leaf surfaces and driving nutrient transport.