Transport in Plants

Class 7 Science · Chapter 10: Life Processes in Plants · NCERT Curiosity section 10.3

Learn

Roots take in water and minerals from the soil. How do they reach the top? Zoya stands two white-flowered twigs in water, one plain and one with red ink, cutting the stems under water. Next day, the second twig's veins, leaves and petals show red streaks; a cut stem shows red dots inside.

Water and dissolved minerals rise through thin tubes called xylem in the roots, stem, branches and leaves. Food made in the leaves travels through another set of tubes, the phloem, to every part of the plant, including roots and growing fruits. Extra food is stored in roots, stems and seeds, like potatoes, carrots and grains.

Explore: xylem or phloem?

1. Sort each job.

Remember

• Xylem carries water and minerals up from the roots.
• Phloem carries food from the leaves to all parts; food is stored in roots, stems and seeds.

Quick check

A white flower in red-ink water turns pink. Which tubes carried the ink?

1. xylem
2. phloem
3. stomata
4. alveoli

Think about it

Why is a stem cut under water before placing it in coloured water?

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.