34. Vascular Plant Transport

Which of the following is an adaptation that enhances the uptake of water and minerals by roots?

a. Mycorrhizae

b. Pumping through plasmodesmata

c. Active uptake by vessel elements

d. Rhythmic contractions by cells in the root cortex

Fill in the blanks in this concept map to help you tie together key concepts concerning transport in plants.

Which structure or compartment is part of the symplast?

a. The interior of a vessel element

b. The interior of a sieve tube

c. The cell wall of a mesophyll cell

d. An extracellular air space

What important role does the Casparian strip play in the movement of water through plants?

a. Forces water to move through the cytoplasm of living endodermal cells as it makes its way from the soil to the xylem

b. Causes cells to shrink, thereby increasing pressure within cells

c. Loads sugars into xylem, thereby causing water to enter the xylem by osmosis

d. Acts as a filter that prevents salts, heavy metals, and other pollutants from entering root hairs