Roots Flashcards
State three functions of roots.
To absorb water and minerals from the soil, to be transported to other parts of the plant.
To anchor the plant firmly in the ground.
In the case of some plants, to store food, (potato, carrot , etc)
State the path of a water molecule from soil to plant leaf.
Soil→roots→stem→leaves
State three ways in which the root hair cell is adapted to its function.
It has a thin cell wall, and a large surface area, both of which allow it to absorb more water. It also has a large vacuole, to store large amounts of water.
What does the phloem transport?
Sucrose and amino acids
What does the xylem transport?
Water and minerals.
What is the xylem made of?
Most of the cells that make up the xylem are specialised cells called vessels.
Vessels lose their end walls so that the xylem forms a continuous hollow tube.
These cells die, and are strengthened by a substance called lignin, which provide support to the plant. Lignified cells are know as wood.
Does transport in the xylem use energy?
No. It is a physical process. It does not require energy.
What is the phloem made of?
The phloem consists of living cells arranged from end to end. Unlike the xylem, phloem vessels contain cytoplasm, and this goes through holes from one cell to the next.
