Transcript The transport system of plants

© 2009 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Private Limited
A question to think about…
How does food
made in the leaves
get transported to
the rest of the plant?
How does water
and mineral salts
get to the leaves
and other parts of a
plant?
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The transport system of plants
• The leaves of plants make food during
photosynthesis.
• The food is used by plants parts like the roots,
the stem, the flowers and the fruits.
• Plants need water and mineral salts as well.
• These are taken in
through the roots and are
needed to help plants stay
healthy.
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Tubes for transporting
• A plant’s transport system is made up of
two separate sets of fine tubes that run
through the leaves, stems and roots.
• Xylem tubes
o
Transport water and mineral salts from the
roots to the other parts of the plants.
• Phloem tubes
o
Transport food made in the leaves to all other
parts of the plant.
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Tubes for transporting
Xylem tubes carry water and
mineral salts from the roots to
other parts of the plant.
Phloem tubes carry food from
the leaves to other parts of the
plant.
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Tubes for transporting
• You can see the xylem tubes by
examining the cut surface of a
stalk of celery with a magnifying
glass.
xylem tube
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Tubes for transporting
• You will see red spots on the cut surface of the
celery.
• These red spots show the xylem tubes which have
been stained as the coloured water is transported
through them.
xylem tube
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Together in harmony
• The phloem and xylem tubes work together to
transport food, water and mineral salts to
different parts of the plants.
• This transport system allows food produced by
the leaves to reach other plant parts like the
flowers and roots.
• Water and mineral salts absorbed by the roots
are able to be transported to the leaves and
other plant parts too.
• By working together, these tubes help plants to
grow healthy.
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Science
© 2008
Marshall
Cavendish (Singapore) Private Limited
© 2009
Marshall
Cavendish
International
© 2009 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Private Limited