Xylem and Phloem Functions Explained
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Salman MajidXylem and Phloem Functions Explained
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Salman MajidWhat is the function of the xylem?
;Transports **water and minerals** from roots to
leaves.;Xylem vessels are long, hollow tubes with **lignin**-reinforced walls. They
are dead at maturity, allowing unidirectional flow via capillary action and
transpiration pull.
What is the function of the phloem?;Transports **sugars** from leaves to other
parts of the plant.;Phloem uses living cells and works via **translocation**.
Movement is bidirectional: from source (leaves) to sink (roots, fruits, storage
organs).
Where are root hair cells located?;On the **surface of roots**, near the root
tip.;They increase **surface area** for absorption of water and mineral ions. Thin
walls and large vacuole enhance uptake. No chloroplasts as they are underground.
How do root hair cells absorb water?;By **osmosis**.;Water moves from a dilute soil
solution into the more concentrated cell sap. The gradient enables passive movement
across the partially permeable membrane.
How are mineral ions absorbed by root hair cells?;By **active transport**.;Against
the concentration gradient. Requires **energy** from respiration. Common minerals:
nitrate, phosphate, potassium.
Define transpiration.;The **loss of water vapor** from plant leaves via the
stomata.;It drives water movement from roots to leaves. It cools the plant and
enables mineral transport. Key force in the transpiration stream.
What is the transpiration stream?;Continuous movement of water from **roots to
leaves** through the xylem.;Driven by evaporation at the leaf surface, creating
tension that pulls water upward. Cohesion and adhesion aid this process.
What factors affect the rate of transpiration?;**Light intensity**,
**temperature**, **humidity**, **wind speed**.;More light = stomata open; high temp
= more evaporation; dry air and wind = faster water loss. Use graphs to explain
trends in exams.
How does the plant control water loss?;By opening and closing **stomata** using
guard cells.;Stomata close in hot/dry conditions to prevent wilting. Trade-off
between gas exchange and water conservation.
What is the function of stomata?;Control **gas exchange** and water vapor
release.;Found mostly on underside of leaves. Guard cells swell (turgid) to open
stomata, shrink (flaccid) to close.
Why is lignin important in xylem vessels?;Strengthens xylem walls and prevents
**collapse** under pressure.;Also waterproofs the walls, enabling efficient water
transport. Forms rings or spirals in cell walls.
How does water move up the plant?;By **capillary action**, **cohesion**, and
**transpiration pull**.;Water molecules stick together (cohesion) and to xylem
walls (adhesion). Negative pressure from leaf evaporation pulls water up.
EXAM QUESTION: Describe how water moves from the soil into the leaf.;Osmosis into
root hair → xylem → transpiration stream → evaporation in leaf.;Mention osmosis,
xylem transport, evaporation, stomata. Key phrases: concentration gradient,
cohesion, pull.
EXAM QUESTION: Explain how wind increases transpiration rate.;Removes humid air
near stomata, increasing **concentration gradient**.;Steeper gradient = faster
diffusion of water vapor. Include “faster evaporation” for full marks.
EXAM QUESTION: What adaptations help a leaf reduce water loss?;Waxy cuticle, fewer
stomata, stomata on lower surface, stomatal closure.;Examiner tip: include both
structural and behavioral features. Common mistake: vague statements like “it
stores water.”
SAMPLE QUESTION: A plant is placed in a humid environment. Predict how this affects
transpiration.;Transpiration **decreases**.;High humidity reduces gradient between
leaf and air. Less water vapor diffuses out.
SAMPLE QUESTION: Describe an experiment to investigate transpiration rate using a
potometer.;Set up potometer, measure **bubble movement** over time under different
conditions.;Control variables: same plant, temperature. Examiner tip: say “cut
shoot under water” and “ensure airtight setup.”