The Plant Transport System

Question 1

When do the leaves make food for the plants?

Answer 1

During photosynthesis.

Question 2

State the function of the water-carrying tubes (xylem).

Answer 2

Transport water and dissolved mineral salts from the roots to all parts of the part.

Question 3

State the function of the stem of the plant.

Answer 3

Keeps the plant upright.

Question 4

What do the food carrying tubes (phloem) do?

Answer 4

Transport food from the leaves to the rest of the plant.

Question 5

What happens to the starch (i.e. food) made by the leaves?

Answer 5

They are transported by the food-carrying tubes (phloem) in the stem from the leaves to all parts of the plant.

Question 6

State the function of chlorophyll?

Answer 6

Trap sunlight for the plant to make food.

Question 7

State the function of a tree trunk?

Answer 7

To keep the tree upright.

Question 8

What happens during photosynthesis?

Answer 8

The leaves of plants make food during photosynthesis.

Question 9

What happens to the food made by the leaves?

Answer 9

The food made by the leaves is transported to the other parts of a plant such as the roots, the stem, the flowers and the fruits.

Question 10

What happens to the water and minerals absorbed by the roots?

Answer 10

They get transported to other parts of the plant.

Question 11

What does the plant transport system do?

Answer 11

Transports substances (i.e. water, mineral salts and food) to the various parts of the plant.

Question 12

What is the plant transport system in plants made up of?

Answer 12

Two types of tubes, i.e. the water-carrying tubes (xylem) and the food-carrying tubes (phloem).

Question 13

Where does the xylem run from?

Answer 13

Roots to other parts of the plant.

Question 14

What is the function of the xylem?

Answer 14

1. Transport water and minerals from the roots to other parts of the plant.
2. Support the plant.

Question 15

Where does the phloem run from?

Answer 15

From the leaves to other parts of the plant.

Question 16

What is the function of the phloem?

Answer 16

Transport food (sugar) from the leaves to other parts of the plant.

Question 17

Do the water-carrying tubes and the food-carrying tubes function / work concurrently (i.e. at the same time)?

Answer 17

Yes

Question 18

What do plants use the food (sugar) made in the leaves for?

Answer 18

Carry out life processes.

Question 19

Are the water-carrying and food-carrying tubes of the transport system found only in the stem of a plant?

Answer 19

No

Question 20

Are both the water-carrying and food-carrying tubes are found in other parts of the plant?

Answer 20

Yes. They are also found in the other parts of a plant - in leaves, flowers and roots.

Question 21

Why are the xylem and phloem found in other parts of the plant?

Answer 21

To ensure that water and food can also reach these parts of the plant.

Question 22

What are the water-carrying tubes made up of?

Answer 22

A set of thick-walled vessels that are connected end to end. Besides transporting water, these vessels also provide support for the plant.

Question 23

Why can we observe a set of rings in the cross-section of an old tree?

Answer 23

These rings are actually the remains of the old water-carrying tubes - one ring for every year the tree was alive.

Question 24

What is the plant transport system?

Answer 24

1. The plant transport system transports substances such as water, mineral salts and food to the various parts of the plant.

Question 25

What is germination?

Answer 25

It is the process where a seed develops into a seedling.

Question 26

Name three fruit that are inedible but non-poisonous.

Answer 26

Fruits of the balsam plant, flame of the forest and the angsana.

Question 27

Name an example of a poisonous fruit.

Answer 27

Pong pong

Question 28

What is the main function of the fruit of a plant?

Answer 28

To protect the seed(s) growing within it.

Question 29

What are the necessary conditions for germination to occur?

Answer 29

The seed must receive sufficient air, water and warmth.

Question 30

Why is sunlight not necessary for germination to occur?

Answer 30

Sunlight is only needed for photosynthesis which occurs in the leaves of plants. A seedling which has just sprouted does not have real leaves yet and as such, does not need sunlight.

Question 31

What is the function of the seed leaves?

Answer 31

Provide the seedling with food until the real leaves develop.

Question 32

Which is the first part of the seedling to grow?

Answer 32

The roots which grow downwards into the soil. Hence, they cannot be seen yet.

Question 33

What are the two main functions of roots?

Answer 33

They hold the plant firmly to the ground.

They absorb water and mineral salts from the ground.

Question 34

State a common feature of the roots of a tapioca, radish, carrot and sweet potato plant.

Answer 34

They store food in their roots. They are also edible.

Question 35

Why use a white instead of a coloured flower when conducting an experiment where the flower is put in water coloured with a food colouring?

Answer 35

It is easier to observe a colour change in a white flower than a coloured one.

Question 36

Why is food colouring used instead of other colouring agents to colour the water when conducting an experiment to see if plants absorb water from their roots?

Answer 36

Food colouring is made from natural ingredients and will not poison the plant when it absorbs the coloured water.