describe the process by which water in the soil reaches the xylem tisses in plants
Transportation of water and minerals in plants
Roots absorb water and minerals from the soil and transport them to the leaves. How is water absorbed by the roots?
Roots have numerous root hairs that increase the surface area for the absorption of water and minerals. These root hairs are in contact with the water present in the soil. Water enters the cells of the root hair by the process of osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration through a semi-permeable membrane. Hence, they perform the function of absorption.
How is the absorbed water transported to leaves?
Plants have tube-like vessels to transport water and nutrients to other parts of the plant. These vessels are made up of special type of cells and are known as the vascular tissues. The vascular tissue that transports water and minerals in plants is known as thexylem. It forms a network of channels that connects the root to the stem and the leaves of the plant. Hence, water is transported to various plant parts.