Plant Transport Intro

Question 1

Why to plants need a transport system?

Answer 1

• they have high METABOLIC DEMANDS
• photosynthesis in the leaves occurs to synthesise glucose from CO2 and light
• glucose has to be transported to areas that are respiring
• the waste products if the metabolism are removed from the cell
• hormones and minerals are transported
• SIZE some plants grow very tall therefore need transport systems to move substances
• SURFACE AREA TO VOLUME RATIO, leaves SA/V is relatively high do CO2 can diffuse however trunks and stems have a low SA/V so they need transport tissues eg. Xylem and Phloem