Transport Systems in Plants

Introduction

• Plants have specialized transport systems to move food, water, and minerals.
• Unlike animals, plants do not have a circulatory system with a heart and blood.
• Key Systems: Xylem and Phloem.

Xylem

• Function: Transports water and minerals from roots to leaves.
• Structure:
  • Composed of elongated dead cells.
  • Cells are impermeable to water and contain lignin, making them tough.
  • Forms continuous tubes throughout the plant.
• Location in Plant:
  • In roots: Central location for protection and support, preventing uprooting.
  • In stem: Near edges for structural support against squashing and bending.

Phloem

• Function: Transports glucose (from photosynthesis) and amino acids throughout the plant.
• Structure:
  • Composed of living cells.
  • Allows movement of nutrients both upwards and downwards in the plant.

Vascular Bundles

• Groups of xylem and phloem.
• Arrangement varies in different parts of the plant for structural and functional efficiency.

Movement in Xylem and Phloem

• Xylem Movement: One-way from roots to leaves.
• Phloem Movement: Bidirectional, dependent on nutrient needs.

Upcoming Content

• Next video will cover xylem and the process of transpiration.