Plant transport

Xylem

Vessels that transport water from the roots to the leaves.

Phloem

Vessels that transport nutrients and organic molecules from a source to a sink.

Transpiration

The process by which water is evaporated from the leaves of a plant.

Translocation

The movement of sugars and other organic molecules through the phloem.

Epidermis

The outer protective layer of cells in plant tissues.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in leaves that conduct photosynthesis.

Stomata

Openings in leaf tissue that allow for gas exchange.

Vascular Tissue

Tissue composed of xylem and phloem that transports water and nutrients.

Mass Flow

The movement of fluid down a pressure gradient.

Root Pressure

The pressure created when water enters the stele from the soil, aiding upward water movement.

Capillary Action

The ascension of water through tubes against gravity due to cohesive and adhesive properties.

Palisade Mesophyll

Layer of elongated cells in leaves rich in chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

Spongy Mesophyll

Loosely arranged cells in leaves that facilitate gas exchange.

Cortex

Tissue in roots for storage and transport, made of loosely packed cells.

Endodermis

Innermost layer of the cortex that controls water and ion uptake.

CASPARIAN Strip

A band in the endodermis that prevents passive water movement.

Stele

The central region of a root containing vascular bundles.

Bundle Sheath

A layer of cells surrounding the vascular bundles in leaves.

Transport Vessels

Xylem and phloem that facilitate the movement of water and nutrients.

Symplast Pathway

Water movement through the cytoplasm of plant cells.

Apoplast Pathway

Water movement through the cell walls and intercellular spaces.

Proton Pumps

Transport proteins that actively move H+ ions to facilitate mineral uptake.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from high to low concentration.

Tension Forces

Forces created by evaporation that draw water up from the roots.

Lignin

A substance that reinforces the cell walls of xylem vessels.

Vascular Bundles

Groups of xylem and phloem arranged to optimize transport in plants.

Ground Tissue

Tissue in stems that aids in transport and storage.

Bundle Sheath Cells

Cells that surround vascular bundles, providing support and regulation.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at rest in the plant.

Sap

Fluid in the phloem containing sugars and other substances.

Companion Cells

Cells that assist in loading and unloading materials in phloem transport.

Sugars

Organic molecules transported by the phloem, primarily sucrose.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

Gas Exchange

The process of taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen via stomata.

Water Potential

The potential energy of water in a system, influencing its movement.

Cohesion-Tension Theory

The theory explaining water movement through xylem due to cohesive forces.

Evapotranspiration

The combined loss of water from evaporation and transpiration.

Source

The site where sugars are produced, such as leaves.

Sink

The site where sugars are utilized or stored, such as roots and fruits.

Cellulose

A polysaccharide that forms the cell wall of plant cells.

Nutrients

Essential elements needed by plants for growth, such as nitrogen and potassium.

Root Hairs

Extensions of root epidermal cells that increase surface area for water absorption.

Evaporation

The process of water turning from liquid to vapour due to heat.

Sieve Elements

Cells in phloem that transport sugars and contain porous plates.

Organelle

A specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function.

Cell Wall

A rigid layer that provides structural support, protecting plant cells.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration compared to another solution.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration compared to another solution.

Active Transport

The movement of substances against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Diffusion

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