Problemas
What is the role of capillary action in water transport in plants? Describe how the structure of the xylem tissue makes water transport possible. Describe how the structure of the phloem tissue makes nutrient (food) transport possible.
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Emilia
maestro · Tutor durante 5 años
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Capillary action plays a crucial role in water transport in plants. It is the ability of water to move upward against gravity through narrow spaces, such as the tiny tubes in the xylem tissue of plants. Capillary action occurs due to the cohesive and adhesive properties of water molecules. Cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules, while adhesion refers to the attraction between water molecules and the walls of the narrow spaces.In plants, capillary action helps to draw water from the roots to the leaves. The narrow spaces in the xylem tissue, combined with the cohesive and adhesive properties of water, create a continuous column of water that can be pulled upward by the forces of transpiration (the evaporation of water from the leaves) and root pressure.The structure of the xylem tissue makes water transport possible through its specialized cells, known as tracheids and vessel elements. These cells are elongated, hollow, and arranged end-to-end to form continuous tubes. The cell walls of tracheids and vessel elements are thickened with lignin, a complex organic compound that provides structural support and prevents the cells from collapsing. The thickened cell walls also create a waterproof barrier, allowing water to move through the xylem without being lost to the surrounding tissues.The structure of the phloem tissue makes nutrient (food) transport possible through its specialized cells, known as sieve elements. These cells are elongated and arranged in parallel rows, forming continuous tubes. The sieve elements are connected by small pores called sieve plates, which allow the movement of nutrients and other substances between the cells. The sieve plates are surrounded by specialized cells called companion cells, which help to maintain the flow of nutrients through the phloem.In summary, capillary action, the structure of the xylem tissue, and the structure of the phloem tissue all work together to facilitate the transport of water and nutrients in plants. Capillary action helps to draw water from the roots to the leaves, while the structure of the xylem tissue provides a continuous pathway for water to move through the plant. The structure of the phloem tissue, on the other hand, allows for the transport of nutrients and other substances throughout the plant.