6 Support and transport systems in plants
6.1 Overview
Introduction DUMMY
In the previous chapter, the structure of plant and animal tissue was introduced. This chapter
focuses on the plant tissues that transport food and water around the plant. It is always
worth bearing in mind the relationship between structure and function. As you have learnt,
plant leaves use sunlight and water to make food during photosynthesis. The next concept is
understanding how the phloem and xylem tissue transport food and water within the plant.
Which cells are responsible for moving food throughout the plant? How are the tissues
adapted for their functions in transporting either water or food? What do these cells look like
under the microscope?We will further explore the relationship between structure and function by studying how the
loss of water from leaves through a process called ‘transpiration’ results in changes to leaf
structure.Key concepts- The dicotyledonous plant is made up of the root and stem where tissues containing
dividing (meristematic) cells are located. - Secondary growth of trees is measurable by observing the annular rings within tree
trunks and can be used to infer climate change. - Transpiration is the loss of water vapour from plant leaves and is caused by factors such
as temperature, light intensity, wind and humidity. - Wilting and guttation are processes that result from the loss of water through transpira-
tion. - Water and minerals are taken up into the xylem tissue present in roots.
- Water is subsequently transported to leaves in the plant.
- Manufactured food is translocated, via phloem tissue, from sites of manufacture (in the
leaves) to other parts of the plant where sugars are used or stored.
6.2 Anatomy of dicotyledonous plants
Differences between Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons DUMMY
All plants are classified asproducing seedsornot producing seeds. Those that produce
seeds are divided into flowering (angiosperms) and non-flowering (gymnosperms). Flowering
plants are further divided intomonocotyledonousanddicotyledonous(monocot and dicot)158 6.1. Overview