Plant transport and the structure of plants

• Plants have two main organ systems: a shoot system and a root system

Tomato plant structure. Image credit uic.edu

Root system

• Is usually found beneath the ground.
• Anchors the plant into its position.
• Absorbs water and nutrients from the soil.
• Acts as a conduit (pipe) for water and nutrients.
• Stores food especially in tubers like sweet potatoes and potatoes.

Shoot system

• Is usually found above the ground.
• Elevates the plant above the soil.
• Performs many functions for example photosynthesis (leaves), reproduction and dispersal (flowers and fruits) etc.
• Acts as conduit for food and water.

Transport in plants

• Plants need substances form the environment e.g. carbon dioxide, water and oxygen.
• These substances cannot enter into the plant over its whole surface.
• Water enters thought the roots and the gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) enter and leave through the roots.
• Water also leaves the plant via the leaves in a process called transpiration.
• Plants therefore need a transport system to carry the water up to the leaves and the food made in the leaves during photosynthesis 
• and the food to other parts of the plant that cannot make their own food.

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