Unlike animals, plants remain stationary and rely on specialised systems to transport nutrients, water, and food within their bodies. Plants have many dead cells in their structure and require less energy compared to animals. However, they still depend on the efficient movement of essential substances to grow and survive. Plants need inorganic nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and sodium, which are abundantly available in the soil. The roots of plants absorb these nutrients along with water from the soil. To distribute these substances throughout the plant, specific tissues act as transportation networks:
- Xylem: This tissue carries water and dissolved minerals absorbed by the roots to all parts of the plant, including leaves, where photosynthesis occurs.
- Phloem: This tissue transports the food produced in the leaves (through photosynthesis) to other parts of the plant, such as the stems and roots, for energy storage or immediate use.
The xylem and phloem form a network of interconnected conducting tissues, ensuring that all parts of the plant are supplied with the necessary nutrients and energy. This system enables plants to grow, produce flowers, and bear fruit while maintaining their structural integrity. In this way, transportation in plants is an essential process, allowing them to efficiently use resources from the soil and distribute energy generated through photosynthesis.
