How are water and minerals transported in plants?

Xylem, the vascular tissue transports water and minerals in plants. The transpiration process creates a suction pressure that forces water into the xylem cells present in the roots. Hence, water steadily moves from the root xylem to all the parts of the plants.

• There are 2 transport systems in plants to move food, minerals, and water through the parts of plants.
• These systems use tubes known as the xylem and phloem for movement. 
• Xylem and Phloem are two types of transport tissues.
• Xylem cell transport water and minerals from the soil to the leaves.
• The phloem transports food from the leaves to the plant.
• Ions are obtained from the soil through the root cells resulting in a difference in the concentration of ions between the roots and soil.

Water Transportation In Plants

Xylem is composed of small vessels connecting the root and leaves in plants. The transportation process of water and minerals in plants through the xylem takes place in the following way – 

1. Root hair is found in the roots of plants.
2. As they are in direct contact with the water film between the soil particles, these hair absorb water and minerals directly from the soil.
3. Water enters the root hairs in plants through diffusion.
4. Xylem transports water, minerals, and nutrients from the soil to all the other parts of plants.
5. Transpiration is the process through which water evaporates from the leaves to draw more water from the roots.

---

Also Read: