Mechanism of transport of water, minerals and nutrients

Answer 1

The transport of water, minerals, and nutrients in plants primarily occurs through the process of transpiration, cohesion, and adhesion within the xylem tissues.

Water and nutrients are absorbed through the roots from the soil and transported upwards through the plant via the xylem vessels. This process is driven by transpiration, which is the loss of water vapor from the leaves through small pores known as stomata. As water evaporates from the leaves, it creates a negative pressure that causes water in the xylem vessels to be pulled upward, against gravity. This process is known as transpiration pull.

Cohesion and adhesion also play a crucial role in the transport of water and nutrients in plants. Cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules that allows them to stick together, forming a continuous column of water within the xylem vessels. Adhesion refers to the attraction between water molecules and the walls of the xylem vessels, helping to pull the water upwards.

Once water reaches the leaves, it is used for photosynthesis and other metabolic processes, and excess water vapor is released through stomata in a process known as transpiration. This loss of water creates a negative pressure in the xylem vessels, leading to the continuous uptake and transport of water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant.

In addition to the xylem, nutrients and other essential substances are also transported within the plant through the phloem tissues. The phloem is responsible for the transport of sugars, amino acids, and other organic compounds produced in the leaves through photosynthesis to other parts of the plant for growth and metabolism. This process of nutrient transport in the phloem is known as translocation.