How do producers transport substances they need? - OCR 21st CenturyPlant organisation

During transpiration plants move water from the roots to their leaves in xylem vessels. Glucose made in the leaves through photosynthesis is then moved to all cells in phloem vessels by translocation.

Part of Biology (Single Science)Living together - Food and ecosystems

Plant organisation

The main roles of plant stems and roots are to transport substances around the plant. They have two types of transport systems – and . Xylem transports water and minerals. Phloem transports sugars and dissolved in water.

These are distributed differently in roots and stems. In the root, the xylem forms a central column. It forms a solid support. The phloem is towards the centre, outside the xylem.

In the stem, the of the xylem and phloem are grouped into .

Cross section of a plant root and plant stem

Any green part of a plant above ground, where it is exposed to light, can photosynthesise. But a plant’s leaves are the main organ of photosynthesis.

Plant leaves are adapted for gas exchange and photosynthesis.

Diagram of a plant leaf
FeatureFunction
Large surface area.For maximum absorption of light. For optimum absorption of carbon dioxide.
A thin, flattened blade – though there are exceptions.So that gases have a limited distance to diffuse.
Vascular tissue in the midrib and veins.Branches of the xylem, to transport water and minerals to the leaf. Branches of the phloem, to transport glucose and other products of photosynthesis to other parts of the plant.
Air spaces between cells within the leaf.For the diffusion of gases.
FeatureLarge surface area.
FunctionFor maximum absorption of light. For optimum absorption of carbon dioxide.
FeatureA thin, flattened blade – though there are exceptions.
FunctionSo that gases have a limited distance to diffuse.
FeatureVascular tissue in the midrib and veins.
FunctionBranches of the xylem, to transport water and minerals to the leaf. Branches of the phloem, to transport glucose and other products of photosynthesis to other parts of the plant.
FeatureAir spaces between cells within the leaf.
FunctionFor the diffusion of gases.