9.1: Transport in the xylem of plants

Key vocab

prior learning & retrieval practice

U1: Transpiration is the inevitable consequence of gas exchange in the leaf.

Exercise 1: Study the quizlet deck below

U2: Plants transport water from the roots to the leaves to replace losses from transpiration.

U3: The cohesive property of water and the structure of the xylem vessels allow transport under tension.

U4: The adhesive property of water and evaporation generate tension forces in leaf cell walls.

U5: Active uptake of mineral ions in the roots causes absorption of water by osmosis.

Exercise 2: Explain how the properties of water allow water to move up Xylem vessels

Essential idea: Structure and function are correlated in the xylem of plants.

S1: Drawing the structure of primary xylem vessels in sections of stems based on microscope images.

Exercise 3: Study the Quizlet deck below

A1: Adaptations of plants in deserts and in saline soils for water conservation.

Exercise 3: Describe how xerophytes are adapted to conserve water.

NoS: Use models as representations of the real world—mechanisms involved in water transport in the xylem can be investigated using apparatus and materials that show similarities in structure to plant tissues. (1.10)

A2: Models of water transport in xylem using simple apparatus including blotting or filter paper, porous pots and capillary tubing.

S2: Measurement of transpiration rates using potometers. (Practical 7)

S3: Design of an experiment to test hypotheses about the effect of temperature or humidity on transpiration rates.