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Understanding Xylem and Phloem: Key Functions and Evidence

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just call me soobin.

14/12/2025

Biology

Xylem and phloem

205

14 Dec 2025

3 pages

Understanding Xylem and Phloem: Key Functions and Evidence

user profile picture

just call me soobin.

@tabo

Plants have an incredible transport system that's like our circulatory... Show more

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Xylem
- long tube like Structures that transport water and mineral loks
-no end wall s
Xylem Vessel
-uninterrupted tube
lower faster
Humidit

Plant Transport Systems: Xylem and Water Movement

Your plant's vascular bundle contains two crucial transport systems working side by side. Xylem vessels are like long, uninterrupted tubes with no end walls - perfect for moving water and minerals from roots to leaves without any blockages.

The water transport process relies on transpiration - when water evaporates from leaves, it creates tension that pulls more water up through the plant. Think of it like a straw effect, but the cohesion between water molecules means they stick together and move as one continuous column.

Several factors speed up transpiration rates. Higher temperatures give water molecules more energy to evaporate faster, whilst lower humidity creates a bigger concentration gradient. Light makes stomata open wider, and wind blows water vapour away, maintaining that crucial concentration gradient.

Quick Tip: Remember the four-step process: evaporation → tension → cohesion → water enters through roots. This sequence is a favourite exam question!

Xylem
- long tube like Structures that transport water and mineral loks
-no end wall s
Xylem Vessel
-uninterrupted tube
lower faster
Humidit

Phloem and Sugar Transport: The Mass Flow Theory

Phloem handles the movement of sugars and other solutes through translocation - basically the plant's food delivery service. Unlike xylem, this system moves materials from source (usually leaves) to sink (storage organs like potatoes or growing areas).

The process relies on pressure differences created by active transport. At the source, companion cells actively load sucrose into sieve tubes, lowering water potential so water rushes in by osmosis. This creates high pressure that pushes solutes along the phloem towards areas of lower pressure.

Sieve plates connect individual sieve tube elements, whilst companion cells provide the energy needed for active transport. At the sink, sugars get converted to starch for storage, maintaining a constant concentration gradient that keeps the system flowing.

Memory Hook: Think "high pressure to low pressure" - just like squeezing toothpaste from a tube, the sugars get pushed from areas of high pressure (source) to low pressure (sink).

Xylem
- long tube like Structures that transport water and mineral loks
-no end wall s
Xylem Vessel
-uninterrupted tube
lower faster
Humidit


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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.

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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.

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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.

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Xander S

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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

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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

 

Biology

205

14 Dec 2025

3 pages

Understanding Xylem and Phloem: Key Functions and Evidence

user profile picture

just call me soobin.

@tabo

Plants have an incredible transport system that's like our circulatory system, but instead of blood, they move water and sugars around their bodies. Understanding how xylem and phloem work together keeps plants alive and thriving - and it's essential knowledge... Show more

Xylem
- long tube like Structures that transport water and mineral loks
-no end wall s
Xylem Vessel
-uninterrupted tube
lower faster
Humidit

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Join milions of students

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Plant Transport Systems: Xylem and Water Movement

Your plant's vascular bundle contains two crucial transport systems working side by side. Xylem vessels are like long, uninterrupted tubes with no end walls - perfect for moving water and minerals from roots to leaves without any blockages.

The water transport process relies on transpiration - when water evaporates from leaves, it creates tension that pulls more water up through the plant. Think of it like a straw effect, but the cohesion between water molecules means they stick together and move as one continuous column.

Several factors speed up transpiration rates. Higher temperatures give water molecules more energy to evaporate faster, whilst lower humidity creates a bigger concentration gradient. Light makes stomata open wider, and wind blows water vapour away, maintaining that crucial concentration gradient.

Quick Tip: Remember the four-step process: evaporation → tension → cohesion → water enters through roots. This sequence is a favourite exam question!

Xylem
- long tube like Structures that transport water and mineral loks
-no end wall s
Xylem Vessel
-uninterrupted tube
lower faster
Humidit

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

Phloem and Sugar Transport: The Mass Flow Theory

Phloem handles the movement of sugars and other solutes through translocation - basically the plant's food delivery service. Unlike xylem, this system moves materials from source (usually leaves) to sink (storage organs like potatoes or growing areas).

The process relies on pressure differences created by active transport. At the source, companion cells actively load sucrose into sieve tubes, lowering water potential so water rushes in by osmosis. This creates high pressure that pushes solutes along the phloem towards areas of lower pressure.

Sieve plates connect individual sieve tube elements, whilst companion cells provide the energy needed for active transport. At the sink, sugars get converted to starch for storage, maintaining a constant concentration gradient that keeps the system flowing.

Memory Hook: Think "high pressure to low pressure" - just like squeezing toothpaste from a tube, the sugars get pushed from areas of high pressure (source) to low pressure (sink).

Xylem
- long tube like Structures that transport water and mineral loks
-no end wall s
Xylem Vessel
-uninterrupted tube
lower faster
Humidit

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

We thought you’d never ask...

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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?

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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