Transport Pathways

Question 1

What is the Apoplast pathway?

Answer 1

Transport through cell walls until blocked by the Casparian strip

The Apoplast pathway allows water and solutes to move freely through the cell walls of plant cells.

Question 2

What is the Symplast pathway?

Answer 2

Transport through cytoplasm/plasmodesmata

The Symplast pathway involves movement of water and solutes through the interconnected cytoplasm of plant cells.

Question 3

What must all nutrients do before entering the xylem?

Answer 3

Cross at least one membrane

This membrane crossing is essential for regulating nutrient entry into the xylem.

Question 4

How do minerals travel once they are in the xylem?

Answer 4

Travel up in the transpiration stream

The transpiration stream is driven by the evaporation of water from plant surfaces, creating a negative pressure that pulls minerals upward.

Question 5

What is the role of phloem in plants?

Answer 5

Redistributes sugars + mobile nutrients via translocation

The phloem is responsible for transporting organic compounds and nutrients throughout the plant.