Question

Explain the terms: (c) Bleeding in plants

Answer 1

Root Pressure

1. Root pressure is a force or hydrostatic pressure produced in the roots that help in the upward movement of fluids and other ions from the soil into the vascular tissue (Xylem) of the plant.
2. The osmotic pressure inside the cells of a root system enables fluid to rise through a plant stem to the leaves.
3. Due to root pressure, water readily travels through the root tissues, but minerals do not (the root is a semi-permeable barrier).

Bleeding in plants

1. Bleeding in plants is the exudation of water and cell sap through cuts or wounds in plants.
2. It can also be caused by positive root pressure.
3. The pressure is created in the phloem elements or the cells around the cut or wounds in certain plants.
4. As the plants lose their leaves and go dormant, the sap of deciduous plants normally falls in the autumn to early winter.