Transport in Plants

Question 1

what does the transport system in plants do?

Answer 1

it enables the leaves to receive water for photosynthesis and mineral ions needed to convert the products of photosynthesis into useful substances - once formed these are then transported to other parts of the plants like growing tips, flowers and storage areas

Question 2

what is the xylem made up of?

Answer 2

• made up of thick walled dead cells which contain no cytoplasm - they are completely hollow and arranged end to end

Question 3

what does the cell wall of xylem contain?

Answer 3

lignin - so its waterproof

Question 4

why are the end walls of xylem broken down?

Answer 4

so they form a continuous transport system throughout the plant

Question 5

what is the role of the xylem?

Answer 5

it transports water and mineral ions from the roots to the leaves

Question 6

what are nitrate ions needed for?

Answer 6

to make amino acids and proteins

Question 7

what are magnesium ions needed for?

Answer 7

to make chlorophyll

Question 8

what does the phloem consist of?

Answer 8

living cells - tubes are formed by cells arranged end to end but have cells walls made of cellulose

Question 9

what is the sugar made in photosynthesis converted to?

Answer 9

sucrose (another sugar)

Question 10

what is the role of the phloem?

Answer 10

to transport sucrose and amino acids from the leaves (where they are made) to the growing points (eg the tips of the shoot and flowers) or storage areas (such as the roots or bulbs)

Question 11

what is translocation?

Answer 11

when sucrose and amino acids are moved around the plant - this requires energy