Meristems, Specialisation And Transport

Question 0

Describe the structure and the function of the following specialized cells:

• epidermal cell
• mesophyll cell
• guard cell
• xylem vessel
• phloem sieve tube
• root hair cell

Answer 0

• epidermal cell: tightly packed cells, spongy mesophyll and protects the plant from the outside world
• mesophyll cell: ground cells, in between lower and upper epidermal cell and specializes in photosynthesis
• guard cell: beside the stomata and controls the opening and closing of them
• xylem vessel : transports water and nutrients from soil to leaf. There are no end cell and they have thick walls
• phloem sieve tube: transports carbohydrates. Cells have end walls with perforations and there is a two way flow.
• root hair cell : large surface area for the absorption of water

Question 1

What is the role and position of apical and lateral meristems?

Answer 1

Apical is at the tip of stems or roots and involves growth of the length of the tips of the stem or roots
Lateral is at the sides of stems or roots and involves the growth of the diameter of the roots or stems

Question 2

How is water transported?

Answer 2

Xylem

Question 3

How is sugar transported?

Answer 3

Phloem

Question 4

Describe the xylem?

Answer 4

Carries water and minerals and has walls made of lignin for support

Question 5

Describe the phloem?

Answer 5

Transport sugar
End walls have perforations called sieve plates
They have companion cells to provide them with energy