Plants and animals have specialized systems for moving essential materials throughout their bodies.
In plants, two key transport tissues work together: Xylem and phloem transport in plants moves water, minerals, and food. Xylem vessels carry water and dissolved minerals upward from the roots through tiny tube-like cells, powered by transpiration pull as water evaporates from leaves. Phloem tubes distribute food made during photosynthesis to all parts of the plant. The movement of materials in phloem can go both up and down the plant. Stomata function in plants by controlling gas exchange - these tiny pores in leaves open to let in carbon dioxide needed for photosynthesis and release oxygen and water vapor. Guard cells around each stoma swell or shrink to open and close the pore based on conditions.
In animals, the circulatory system transports materials via blood flowing through vessels. Composition and function of blood components includes red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight infection, platelets that help blood clot, and plasma that contains dissolved substances. The heart pumps blood through arteries, which branch into smaller vessels called capillaries where materials are exchanged with body cells. Blood then returns to the heart through veins. This continuous circulation ensures all cells receive oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products. The lymphatic system works alongside blood vessels to drain excess fluid from tissues and transport immune cells. Together these transport systems maintain the internal environment needed for survival.
Both plant and animal transport systems demonstrate how specialized tissues and organs work together to move materials where they're needed. While the mechanisms differ, they serve the essential functions of delivering nutrients, removing wastes, and maintaining proper internal conditions. Understanding these systems helps explain how complex organisms can survive and function as integrated units despite their large size.
