Transport of Food in Plants

Questions and Answers

Which type of xylem cell is responsible for providing mechanical support to plants?

Phloem cells

Xylem sclerenchyma cells (correct)

Xylem parenchyma cells

Tracheids (correct)

What is the primary function of phloem in vascular plants?

To conduct water and nutrients from roots

To store minerals in the roots

To provide mechanical support

To conduct food to various parts of the plant (correct)

Which of the following statements about tracheids is true?

They are responsible for transporting food down the plant.

They are living cells found in all vascular plants.

They have narrow diameters and tapering ends. (correct)

They primarily store food for the plant.

Which xylem cell type is associated with the storage of substances?

Xylem parenchyma cells Signup and view all the answers

How do tracheids contribute to the overall function of the xylem?

By providing support and conducting water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features distinguishes xylem sclerenchyma cells?

They are dead cells that provide support. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes xylem from phloem in terms of transport direction?

Phloem transports food both up and down Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells surround the tracheids and xylem vessels?

Parenchyma cells Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT characteristic of xylem vessels?

They are living cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes xylem parenchyma cells?

They may store substances and conduct water. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Transport in Plants

Plants produce glucose through photosynthesis in leaves and require transport systems for distributing food and water.
Transporting nutrients involves xylem for water and minerals, and phloem for food.

Xylem: Water and Mineral Transport

Xylem is responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from roots to leaves.
It travels from below ground roots to the upper parts of the plant.

Structure of Xylem

Composed of four cell types:
- Xylem Vessels: Main conduits for water transport; feature thick cell walls for structural support; found in flowering plants (angiosperms).
- Tracheids: Long, dead cells with tapering ends; narrower than xylem vessels; present in all vascular plants, facilitating water movement through long tube-like arrangements.
- Xylem Parenchyma: Living cells that surround tracheids and vessels; conduct water and mineral; may store substances.
- Xylem Sclerenchyma: Thick-walled, narrow cells that provide structural support; typically dead.

Functions of Xylem

Conducts water and minerals from roots to all plant parts.
Provides mechanical support to maintain plant rigidity and upright posture.

Phloem: Food Transport

Phloem conducts food (mainly sugars) from leaves to other plant areas.
Enables bidirectional flow, transporting food both up and down the plant.

Practical Activity: Demonstrating Xylem Function

Aim: Show how water is transported in plant stems.
Materials: Plant cutting (e.g., balsam), red ink, beaker, water, cutter, microscope.
Method summarized:
- Prepare a beaker with water and red ink.
- Submerge the plant cutting.
- Observe color change in flowers, indicating water uptake and transport.
Observations: White flowers turn pink, demonstrating movement of colored water via xylem, with flowers lower on the stem changing color first.

Description

Explore how glucose produced in leaves is transported throughout the plant, including to branches, stems, and roots. This quiz also covers the movement of water absorbed by roots to the leaves for photosynthesis. Understand the mechanisms underlying nutrient transport in plants.