Explain transport of water and minerals in plants.
Explain transport of water and minerals in plants.
Root hairs are out-growths of the epidermal layer (outermost layer) of the roots. The cells of the root hairs have a semi-permeable membrane which allows water to enter through osmosis.This movement continues across the root hairs, into the root cells, and then enters the xylem. The xylem acts as the vessels inside the plant that carries water and minerals from the root hairs to the stem and leaves.The uptake of minerals by the plant is achieved by active transport.The tubes of the xylem are narrow and hard causing water to rise through capillarity.Capillarity is due to the cohesive nature of water (ability to stick together). Water is continuously pulled up the xylem tubes and carried up extending to all parts of the plant.This pull is brought about by the process of transpiration and is known as transpiration pull. As water is lost by transpiration, a vacuum is created which effectively pulls the water up the tubes of the xylem towards the leaves where it is lost.
Root hairs are out-growths of the epidermal layer (outermost layer) of the roots. The cells of the root hairs have a semi-permeable membrane which allows water to enter through osmosis.This movement continues across the root hairs, into the root cells, and then enters the xylem. The xylem acts as the vessels inside the plant that carries water and minerals from the root hairs to the stem and leaves.The uptake of minerals by the plant is achieved by active transport.The tubes of the xylem are narrow and hard causing water to rise through capillarity.Capillarity is due to the cohesive nature of water (ability to stick together). Water is continuously pulled up the xylem tubes and carried up extending to all parts of the plant.This pull is brought about by the process of transpiration and is known as transpiration pull. As water is lost by transpiration, a vacuum is created which effectively pulls the water up the tubes of the xylem towards the leaves where it is lost.
