Download Xylem vessels

1.18
From the Ground Up!
Why are plant cells always in such a
regular pattern?




All cells need to perform a specific function.
This is called cell specialization
In plants, one major role of cells is to transport
water.
Water is essential for plants to perform
photosynthesis
Hypothesis

Since transporting water is one of the main
functions of cells in plants, do you think that the
regular pattern of plants cells has something to
do with water transport?
Absorption





Water is absorbed through the roots
It then enters the cells through the cell membrane. (see
page 46)
Just as we have blood vessels to transport blood, inside
the plant a xylem vessel is created to transport water.
The vessel is created when the walls between the cells
dissolve leaving only the outer walls for support
This allows water to be transported quickly throughout
the plant.
On the way down



A similar thing happens to other cells in he
plants creating a transport system down.
This system is called a phloem vessel.
It transports sugars and other nutrients down
from the leaves to the stems at roots for use and
storage.
Questions


Complete questions: 1, 2, and 5 on page 49.
To be handed in!! Use a separate piece of paper
and full sentences unless you copy out the
questions.