Plant transport systems are vital for survival, allowing plants to... Show more
English Literature
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
53
•
21 Dec 2025
•
Understanding Transport in Plants
paige gibbs
@paigegibbs_vuvr
Plant Structure and Function
A leaf's structure is perfectly designed for photosynthesis, with palisade mesophyll cells containing many chloroplasts near the top to capture maximum sunlight. The spongy mesophyll below has air spaces allowing gases to move freely through the leaf.
Stomata on the lower epidermis control gas exchange and can be opened or closed by guard cells, which respond to environmental conditions. The entire leaf is protected by a waxy cuticle that helps prevent water loss.
Plants are organised in levels of complexity: cells combine to form tissues (like palisade mesophyll), tissues form organs (like leaves), and organs work together in organ systems. Each component has a specific role – epidermis provides protection, xylem vessels transport water and minerals from roots to leaves, and phloem vessels carry dissolved food materials.
Did you know? Meristem tissue found at the tips of roots and shoots is responsible for plant growth by producing new cells, which is why plants can continue growing throughout their lifetime.
Translocation and Transpiration
Translocation is the movement of food through the phloem vessels. These specialised tubes transport dissolved sugars from the leaves (where photosynthesis occurs) to the rest of the plant. The cell sap – a liquid mixture of water and sugars – moves through pores between phloem cells, providing energy or being stored for later use.
Transpiration is the evaporation of water from leaves, creating a continuous flow of water through the plant. This process, called the transpiration stream, pulls water and minerals up through xylem vessels, which are strengthened by lignin. Water molecules form a chain that's pulled upward as water evaporates from leaves.
Several factors affect transpiration rates. Brighter light increases photosynthesis, which increases water use. Higher temperatures give water particles more energy to evaporate. Air flow blows away water vapour, allowing more to evaporate. Humidity works in the opposite way – when air already contains lots of water vapour, the concentration gradient for diffusion decreases.
Remember: Transpiration and translocation work together – transpiration provides the water needed for photosynthesis, while translocation moves the sugars produced during photosynthesis to where they're needed in the plant.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content in Biology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Transport in Plants
paige gibbs
@paigegibbs_vuvr
Plant transport systems are vital for survival, allowing plants to move water, minerals, and food throughout their structures. These systems involve specialised tissues that work together to ensure plants can photosynthesise, grow, and respond to their environment.
Plant Structure and Function
A leaf's structure is perfectly designed for photosynthesis, with palisade mesophyll cells containing many chloroplasts near the top to capture maximum sunlight. The spongy mesophyll below has air spaces allowing gases to move freely through the leaf.
Stomata on the lower epidermis control gas exchange and can be opened or closed by guard cells, which respond to environmental conditions. The entire leaf is protected by a waxy cuticle that helps prevent water loss.
Plants are organised in levels of complexity: cells combine to form tissues (like palisade mesophyll), tissues form organs (like leaves), and organs work together in organ systems. Each component has a specific role – epidermis provides protection, xylem vessels transport water and minerals from roots to leaves, and phloem vessels carry dissolved food materials.
Did you know? Meristem tissue found at the tips of roots and shoots is responsible for plant growth by producing new cells, which is why plants can continue growing throughout their lifetime.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Translocation and Transpiration
Translocation is the movement of food through the phloem vessels. These specialised tubes transport dissolved sugars from the leaves (where photosynthesis occurs) to the rest of the plant. The cell sap – a liquid mixture of water and sugars – moves through pores between phloem cells, providing energy or being stored for later use.
Transpiration is the evaporation of water from leaves, creating a continuous flow of water through the plant. This process, called the transpiration stream, pulls water and minerals up through xylem vessels, which are strengthened by lignin. Water molecules form a chain that's pulled upward as water evaporates from leaves.
Several factors affect transpiration rates. Brighter light increases photosynthesis, which increases water use. Higher temperatures give water particles more energy to evaporate. Air flow blows away water vapour, allowing more to evaporate. Humidity works in the opposite way – when air already contains lots of water vapour, the concentration gradient for diffusion decreases.
Remember: Transpiration and translocation work together – transpiration provides the water needed for photosynthesis, while translocation moves the sugars produced during photosynthesis to where they're needed in the plant.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
0
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar content
Xylem and Phloem Overview
Explore the plant transport system, focusing on the roles of xylem and phloem in water and nutrient transport. This summary covers key concepts such as vascular bundles, one-way water transport, and the two-way flow of sugars, essential for understanding plant biology. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.
Biology11
Human Circulatory & Plant Systems
Explore the intricacies of the human circulatory system and plant organization in this comprehensive study note. Covering key concepts such as blood vessels, heart structure, enzyme functions, and plant tissues, this resource is designed for quick revision before exams. Ideal for students preparing for higher-level biology assessments.
Biology9
Biology: Immune & Plant Systems
Explore key concepts in immunology, plant structure, and physiological processes. This summary covers the immune response, circulatory and digestive systems, monoclonal antibodies, and plant transport mechanisms, including xylem and phloem. Ideal for students preparing for higher-tier biology exams.
Biology11
Plant Nutrition Essentials
Explore the key concepts of plant nutrition, including nutrient transport via phloem and xylem, essential macronutrients and micronutrients, factors affecting nutrient uptake, and deficiency symptoms. This summary covers modes of nutrition, nutrient absorption mechanisms, and the role of photosynthesis in plant growth.
Biology12
Cell Specialisation Overview
Explore the key concepts of cell specialisation and differentiation in both animal and plant cells. This summary covers the functions of specialised cells such as sperm, nerve, muscle, root hair, xylem, and phloem cells, along with the role of stem cells in development and tissue repair. Ideal for GCSE AQA Combined Science students studying Cell Biology.
Biology9
Cell Transport Mechanisms
Explore the essential concepts of cellular transport mechanisms in plants and animals, including osmosis, diffusion, and active transport. This summary covers key structures like xylem and phloem, the role of cell membranes, and the importance of surface area-to-volume ratios in efficient substance exchange. Ideal for AQA Science Trilogy higher tier students.
Biology10
Most popular content in Biology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user