Introduction to Transport in Plants Flashcards
What are the three levels of transport in plants?
a- cellular uptake, b- tissue transport, c- whole plant transport
These levels represent different scales and mechanisms of transport within the plant system.
What occurs during cellular uptake in plant transport?
Uptake and release of water and solutes by individual cells
This includes absorption of water and minerals from the soil by root cells.
What is involved in tissue transport?
Short distance transport of substances from cell to cell
This includes the transport of water and ions across the root cortex into xylem vessels.
What is the role of the xylem in whole plant transport?
Transport of water and ions through xylem to the rest of the plant
Xylem is responsible for long-distance transport of sap.
How does phloem function in plant transport?
Transport of the products of photosynthesis from the roots to the leaves
This movement is crucial for delivering nutrients throughout the plant.
What is the function of root hairs in plants?
Increase surface area for the uptake of water and mineral ions
Root hairs are extensions of the epidermal cells.
What structures protect roots as they grow?
Epidermal cells
These cells serve as a protective layer for the root system.
What is the role of the endodermis in plant transport?
Forces water and ions into the apoplast of the endodermal cells and controls transport into the xylem
The endodermis has a Casparian strip that regulates movement.
What is the role of the pericycle in plants?
Control transport into the xylem and site of lateral root growth
The pericycle is a layer of cells located just inside the endodermis.
What does the cambium in plants do?
Undergoes mitosis to produce more xylem and phloem
Cambium is a type of meristematic tissue responsible for growth.
Fill in the blank: The _______ transports water and ions from the roots to the stem and leaves.
xylem
True or False: Phloem transports water and ions from the roots to the leaves.
False
Phloem transports the products of photosynthesis, not water and ions.
What is the role of parenchyma in the root cortex?
Can act as a storage organ and allows movement of water and ions
Parenchyma cells are versatile and play multiple roles in plant tissues.
What is the main function of the epidermis in the root?
Presence of root hair cells for the uptake of water and mineral ions
The epidermis serves as the first line of defense and absorption.
