Essential idea: structure and function
are correlated in the xylem of plants.
9.1 Transport in the xylem of plants AHL
One of the key structural features of xylem is the rings of lignin (seen in the lower power
scanning EM image). The lignified walls of xylem help them to withstand the very low
pressure inside the xylem which drives the transpiration pull.
http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/Sel-lower1_70363.jpg
Understandings, Applications and Skills
Statement Guidance
9.1.U1 Transpiration is the inevitable consequence of gas exchange in
the leaf.
9.1.U2 Plants transport water from the roots to the leaves to replace
losses from transpiration.
9.1.U3 The cohesive property of water and the structure of the xylem
vessels allow transport under tension.
9.1.U4 The adhesive property of water and evaporation generate tension
forces in leaf cell walls.
9.1.U5 Active uptake of mineral ions in the roots causes absorption of
water by osmosis.
9.1.A1 Adaptations of plants in deserts and in saline soils for water
conservation.
9.1.A2 Models of water transport in xylem using simple apparatus
including blotting or filter paper, porous pots and capillary tubing.
9.1.S1 Drawing the structure of primary xylem vessels in sections of
stems based on microscope images.
9.1.S2 Measurement of transpiration rates using potometers. (Practical 7)
9.1.S3 Design of an experiment to test hypotheses about the effect of
temperature or humidity on transpiration rates.
Review 2.2.U2 Hydrogen bonding and dipolarity explain the cohesive, adhesive, thermal and solvent properties
of water.
Nature of science:
Use theories to explain natural phenomena—the theory that hydrogen bonds form between water molecules explains the
properties of water. (2.2)
Cohesion:
• This property occurs as a result of the polarity of a water molecule and its
ability to form hydrogen bonds
• Although hydrogen bonds are weak the large number of bonds present
(each water molecule bonds to four others in a tetrahedral arrangement)
gives cohesive forces great strength
• Water molecules are strongly cohesive (they tend to stick to one another)
http://ib.bioninja.com.au/standard-level/to
pic-3-chemicals-of-life/31-chemical-elemen
ts-and.html
Water
droplets form
because the
cohesive
forces are
trying to pull
the water into
the smallest
possible
volume, a
sphere.
Surface tension is caused by the
cohesive hydrogen bonding resisting
an object trying to penetrate the
surface.
n.b. capillary action involves
cohesion and adhesion and so
dealt with under adhesion.
Review 2.2.U2 Hydrogen bonding and dipolarity explain the cohesive, adhesive, thermal and solvent properties
of water.
Nature of science:
Use theories to explain natural phenomena—the theory that hydrogen bonds form
between water molecules explains the properties of water. (2.2)
Adhesion:
• This property occurs as a result of the polarity of a water molecule and its
ability to form hydrogen bonds
• Water molecules tend to stick to other molecules that are charged or polar for
similar reasons that they stick to each other
• Again similarly individual hydrogen bonds are weak, but large number of
bonds gives adhesive forces great strength
Water
droplets stick
to surface and
seem to defy
gravity
because of the
adhesive
forces that
bond them to
the surface of
the grass
blade.
http://click4biology.info/c4b/9/plant9.2.htm
Capillary action is caused by
the combination of adhesive
forces causing water to
bond to a surface, e.g. the
sides of a xylem vessel and
the cohesive forces bonding
water molecules together.
Capillary action is helpful in
the movement of water
during transpiration and
also when you drink using a
straw.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GemeineFichte.jpg
9.1.U2 Plants transport water from the roots to the leaves to replace losses from transpiration. AND 9.1.U3 The cohesive property of water and the
structure of the xylem vessels allow transport under tension.
Remember: water has a cohesive property due to H-bonds
Mesophyll is the internal ground
tissue located between the two
epidermal cell layers of the leaf; and
is composed of two kinds of tissues: the
palisade parenchyma, an upper layer of
elongated chlorenchyma cells containing
large amounts of chloroplasts; and the
spongy parenchyma, a lower layer of
spherical or ovoid
http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/facilities/multimedia/uploads/alberta/transport.swf
9.1.U2 Plants transport water from the roots to the leaves to replace losses from transpiration. AND 9.1.U3 The cohesive property of water and the
structure of the xylem vessels allow transport under tension.
This attraction allows water ‘stick’ to the xylem
vessel and hence move upwards.
9.1.U4 The adhesive property of water and evaporation generate tension forces in leaf cell walls.
In Summary:
• The loss of water from the top of xylem vessels due to evaporation lowers the
pressure inside the vessel and pulls more water into the vessel due to cohesion
• Adhesion attracts water molecules to the walls of xylem and vice versa.
• Therefore as the water moving upwards (similarly to cohesion) it pulls inward on the
walls of the xylem vessels generating tension - try sucking on a straw when the
bottom end is closed.
Edited from: http://www.slideshare.net/gurustip/transport-in-angiospermophytes
9.1.U1 Transpiration is the inevitable consequence of gas exchange in the leaf.
http://passel.unl.edu/pages/animation.php?a=transpiration.swf&b=
1094667161
http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/Sel-lower1_70363.jpg
9.1.U3 The cohesive property of water and the structure of the xylem vessels allow transport under tension.
Cell walls are thickened to make them
stronger
Wall are impregnated with lignin*.
Lignin may be deposited in different
ways, such as spirals or rings.
*Lignin is a complex fibrous organic polymer which is strong
and rigid. It makes plant stems woody.
Strengthened xylem walls can
withstand very low internal pressures
without collapsing.
Xylem cells are arranged end to end to form
continuous vessels. The reduction of the walls
between cells in a vessel makes it easier for
water to move between cells
Xylem cells contain no cytoplasm this
provides a larger lumen making water
transport more efficient. However
because the cells are are non-living
water transport must be a passive
process.
Can you suggest a function of the pits
in the cell walls?
9.1.S1 Drawing the structure of primary xylem vessels in sections of stems based on microscope images.
In a cross section (transverse section, TS) of a stem each vascular
bundle consists of large xylem vessels toward the inside and smaller
phloem cells toward the outside. Xylem vessels can be identified by
their large empty lumens and the thickened cell walls.
n.b. Some plant stems, such as monocotyledons, do not possess a cambium and so it is not easy to distinguish between
the cortex and pith (both are usually labeled together). In these stems the vascular bundles are not arranged in a ring.
Edited from: http://www.slideshare.net/gurustip/transport-in-angiospermophytes
9.1.S1 Drawing the structure of primary xylem vessels in sections of stems based on microscope images.
Task: draw tissue diagrams of the
light micrograph and label the
different tissues you can identify.
http://plantphys.info/plant_physiology/images/stemvb.jpg
Species unknown
9.1.S1 Drawing the structure of primary xylem vessels in sections of stems based on microscope images.
Task: draw tissue diagrams of the
light micrograph and label the
different tissues you can identify.
Zea mays (Corn) stem
http://emp.byui.edu/wellerg/Roots%20and%20Shoots%20Lab/Images/Zea%20Mays%20Stem%20P.jpg
9.1.A1 Adaptations of plants in deserts and in saline soils for water conservation.
9.1.U5 Active uptake of mineral ions in the roots causes absorption of water by osmosis.
Water enters the root hair cells by osmosis
http://www.bbc.co.uk/staticarchive/441a940349a662c2e000ee46215e29024262e92c.gif
http://rajkumarbiology.weebly.com/uploads/9/6/4/2/9642700/431153986.jpg?368
Plants take up water and essential
minerals via their roots and thus need a
large surface area in order to optimise this
uptake.
The root epidermis may have extensions
called root hairs which increase surface
area for mineral and water absorption
For osmosis to occur there must be a higher concentration of solutes, e.g.
mineral ions inside the cell than in the soil water surrounding the roots.
A high concentration of solutes means a there is a low concentration of
water in the root hair cells compared to the soil water.
Therefore water moves down the concentration gradient and enters the
root hair cells.
Higher water
concentration
Lower water
concentration
9.1.U5 Active uptake of mineral ions in the roots causes absorption of water by osmosis.
Active uptake of mineral ions results in a higher concentration of
minerals in plants than in the surrounding soil
The use of ATP
means that cell
must respire
(aerobically) to
carry out active
transport.
9.1.U5 Active uptake of mineral ions in the roots causes absorption of water by osmosis.
Active uptake of mineral ions results in a higher concentration of
minerals in plants than in the surrounding soil
You should not need to know the
detailed process by which plant
cells acquire mineral ions.
The use of ATP
means that cell
must respire
(aerobically) to
carry out active
transport.
9.1.A2 Models of water transport in xylem using simple apparatus including blotting or filter paper, porous pots and
capillary tubing.
Water evaporates from the
surface of the porous pot
Water is lost
from the
trough as water
moves up the
tube to replace
water lost from
the pot
10m
Place the end
of a strip of
filter paper in
water and the
water will
gradually
move up the
paper. What
material is
paper made
from?
Modelling water transport
Place a capillary
tube in water
and the water
moves up the
tube - the
thinner the
tube the higher
the water rises.
Setup each model to see it working. For each model
discuss both how it models water transport in plants
and what its limitations as a model are; when does it
cease to be a good representation?
For the porous pot to work there must be an airtight seal between the porous pot and the tube. Additionally allow an
air bubble to enter the tube to see water movement more clearly.
Nature of Science: Use models as representations of the real
world- mechanisms involved in water transport in the xylem
can be investigated using apparatus and materials that show
similarities in structure to plant tissues. (1.10)
9.1.S2 Measurement of transpiration rates using potometers. (Practical 7) AND 9.1.S3 Design of an experiment to test
hypotheses about the effect of temperature or humidity on transpiration rates.
Design of an experiment to test hypotheses about the effect of temperature
or humidity on transpiration rates.
Potometers vary in design,
but all measure
transpiration indirectly by
looking at the water uptake.
Dependent variable: detail
how will you measure
transpiration in order that
you can calculate a rate.
Independent variable: will it
be temperature or humidity?
How will this be varied and
what range of values will you
use?
control variables: What
factors could affect the
investigation and hence need
to be kept constant?
Reliability: how many
repetitions do you need?
Before answering the
question consider how you
intend to analyse the data.
http://www.findel-international.com/netalogue/zoom/H24920.jpg
As transpiration occurs a
bubble of air moves into the
tube and towards the plant
(to replace the volume of
water transpired).
Bibliography / Acknowledgments
Jason de Nys

9.1 Transport in the xylem of plants AHL.pptx

  • 1.
    Essential idea: structureand function are correlated in the xylem of plants. 9.1 Transport in the xylem of plants AHL One of the key structural features of xylem is the rings of lignin (seen in the lower power scanning EM image). The lignified walls of xylem help them to withstand the very low pressure inside the xylem which drives the transpiration pull. http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/Sel-lower1_70363.jpg
  • 2.
    Understandings, Applications andSkills Statement Guidance 9.1.U1 Transpiration is the inevitable consequence of gas exchange in the leaf. 9.1.U2 Plants transport water from the roots to the leaves to replace losses from transpiration. 9.1.U3 The cohesive property of water and the structure of the xylem vessels allow transport under tension. 9.1.U4 The adhesive property of water and evaporation generate tension forces in leaf cell walls. 9.1.U5 Active uptake of mineral ions in the roots causes absorption of water by osmosis. 9.1.A1 Adaptations of plants in deserts and in saline soils for water conservation. 9.1.A2 Models of water transport in xylem using simple apparatus including blotting or filter paper, porous pots and capillary tubing. 9.1.S1 Drawing the structure of primary xylem vessels in sections of stems based on microscope images. 9.1.S2 Measurement of transpiration rates using potometers. (Practical 7) 9.1.S3 Design of an experiment to test hypotheses about the effect of temperature or humidity on transpiration rates.
  • 3.
    Review 2.2.U2 Hydrogenbonding and dipolarity explain the cohesive, adhesive, thermal and solvent properties of water. Nature of science: Use theories to explain natural phenomena—the theory that hydrogen bonds form between water molecules explains the properties of water. (2.2) Cohesion: • This property occurs as a result of the polarity of a water molecule and its ability to form hydrogen bonds • Although hydrogen bonds are weak the large number of bonds present (each water molecule bonds to four others in a tetrahedral arrangement) gives cohesive forces great strength • Water molecules are strongly cohesive (they tend to stick to one another) http://ib.bioninja.com.au/standard-level/to pic-3-chemicals-of-life/31-chemical-elemen ts-and.html Water droplets form because the cohesive forces are trying to pull the water into the smallest possible volume, a sphere. Surface tension is caused by the cohesive hydrogen bonding resisting an object trying to penetrate the surface. n.b. capillary action involves cohesion and adhesion and so dealt with under adhesion.
  • 4.
    Review 2.2.U2 Hydrogenbonding and dipolarity explain the cohesive, adhesive, thermal and solvent properties of water. Nature of science: Use theories to explain natural phenomena—the theory that hydrogen bonds form between water molecules explains the properties of water. (2.2) Adhesion: • This property occurs as a result of the polarity of a water molecule and its ability to form hydrogen bonds • Water molecules tend to stick to other molecules that are charged or polar for similar reasons that they stick to each other • Again similarly individual hydrogen bonds are weak, but large number of bonds gives adhesive forces great strength Water droplets stick to surface and seem to defy gravity because of the adhesive forces that bond them to the surface of the grass blade. http://click4biology.info/c4b/9/plant9.2.htm Capillary action is caused by the combination of adhesive forces causing water to bond to a surface, e.g. the sides of a xylem vessel and the cohesive forces bonding water molecules together. Capillary action is helpful in the movement of water during transpiration and also when you drink using a straw. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GemeineFichte.jpg
  • 5.
    9.1.U2 Plants transportwater from the roots to the leaves to replace losses from transpiration. AND 9.1.U3 The cohesive property of water and the structure of the xylem vessels allow transport under tension. Remember: water has a cohesive property due to H-bonds Mesophyll is the internal ground tissue located between the two epidermal cell layers of the leaf; and is composed of two kinds of tissues: the palisade parenchyma, an upper layer of elongated chlorenchyma cells containing large amounts of chloroplasts; and the spongy parenchyma, a lower layer of spherical or ovoid
  • 6.
    http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/facilities/multimedia/uploads/alberta/transport.swf 9.1.U2 Plants transportwater from the roots to the leaves to replace losses from transpiration. AND 9.1.U3 The cohesive property of water and the structure of the xylem vessels allow transport under tension. This attraction allows water ‘stick’ to the xylem vessel and hence move upwards.
  • 7.
    9.1.U4 The adhesiveproperty of water and evaporation generate tension forces in leaf cell walls. In Summary: • The loss of water from the top of xylem vessels due to evaporation lowers the pressure inside the vessel and pulls more water into the vessel due to cohesion • Adhesion attracts water molecules to the walls of xylem and vice versa. • Therefore as the water moving upwards (similarly to cohesion) it pulls inward on the walls of the xylem vessels generating tension - try sucking on a straw when the bottom end is closed. Edited from: http://www.slideshare.net/gurustip/transport-in-angiospermophytes
  • 8.
    9.1.U1 Transpiration isthe inevitable consequence of gas exchange in the leaf. http://passel.unl.edu/pages/animation.php?a=transpiration.swf&b= 1094667161
  • 9.
    http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/media/images/Sel-lower1_70363.jpg 9.1.U3 The cohesiveproperty of water and the structure of the xylem vessels allow transport under tension. Cell walls are thickened to make them stronger Wall are impregnated with lignin*. Lignin may be deposited in different ways, such as spirals or rings. *Lignin is a complex fibrous organic polymer which is strong and rigid. It makes plant stems woody. Strengthened xylem walls can withstand very low internal pressures without collapsing. Xylem cells are arranged end to end to form continuous vessels. The reduction of the walls between cells in a vessel makes it easier for water to move between cells Xylem cells contain no cytoplasm this provides a larger lumen making water transport more efficient. However because the cells are are non-living water transport must be a passive process. Can you suggest a function of the pits in the cell walls?
  • 10.
    9.1.S1 Drawing thestructure of primary xylem vessels in sections of stems based on microscope images. In a cross section (transverse section, TS) of a stem each vascular bundle consists of large xylem vessels toward the inside and smaller phloem cells toward the outside. Xylem vessels can be identified by their large empty lumens and the thickened cell walls. n.b. Some plant stems, such as monocotyledons, do not possess a cambium and so it is not easy to distinguish between the cortex and pith (both are usually labeled together). In these stems the vascular bundles are not arranged in a ring. Edited from: http://www.slideshare.net/gurustip/transport-in-angiospermophytes
  • 11.
    9.1.S1 Drawing thestructure of primary xylem vessels in sections of stems based on microscope images. Task: draw tissue diagrams of the light micrograph and label the different tissues you can identify. http://plantphys.info/plant_physiology/images/stemvb.jpg Species unknown
  • 12.
    9.1.S1 Drawing thestructure of primary xylem vessels in sections of stems based on microscope images. Task: draw tissue diagrams of the light micrograph and label the different tissues you can identify. Zea mays (Corn) stem http://emp.byui.edu/wellerg/Roots%20and%20Shoots%20Lab/Images/Zea%20Mays%20Stem%20P.jpg
  • 13.
    9.1.A1 Adaptations ofplants in deserts and in saline soils for water conservation.
  • 14.
    9.1.U5 Active uptakeof mineral ions in the roots causes absorption of water by osmosis. Water enters the root hair cells by osmosis http://www.bbc.co.uk/staticarchive/441a940349a662c2e000ee46215e29024262e92c.gif http://rajkumarbiology.weebly.com/uploads/9/6/4/2/9642700/431153986.jpg?368 Plants take up water and essential minerals via their roots and thus need a large surface area in order to optimise this uptake. The root epidermis may have extensions called root hairs which increase surface area for mineral and water absorption For osmosis to occur there must be a higher concentration of solutes, e.g. mineral ions inside the cell than in the soil water surrounding the roots. A high concentration of solutes means a there is a low concentration of water in the root hair cells compared to the soil water. Therefore water moves down the concentration gradient and enters the root hair cells. Higher water concentration Lower water concentration
  • 15.
    9.1.U5 Active uptakeof mineral ions in the roots causes absorption of water by osmosis. Active uptake of mineral ions results in a higher concentration of minerals in plants than in the surrounding soil The use of ATP means that cell must respire (aerobically) to carry out active transport.
  • 16.
    9.1.U5 Active uptakeof mineral ions in the roots causes absorption of water by osmosis. Active uptake of mineral ions results in a higher concentration of minerals in plants than in the surrounding soil You should not need to know the detailed process by which plant cells acquire mineral ions. The use of ATP means that cell must respire (aerobically) to carry out active transport.
  • 17.
    9.1.A2 Models ofwater transport in xylem using simple apparatus including blotting or filter paper, porous pots and capillary tubing. Water evaporates from the surface of the porous pot Water is lost from the trough as water moves up the tube to replace water lost from the pot 10m Place the end of a strip of filter paper in water and the water will gradually move up the paper. What material is paper made from? Modelling water transport Place a capillary tube in water and the water moves up the tube - the thinner the tube the higher the water rises. Setup each model to see it working. For each model discuss both how it models water transport in plants and what its limitations as a model are; when does it cease to be a good representation? For the porous pot to work there must be an airtight seal between the porous pot and the tube. Additionally allow an air bubble to enter the tube to see water movement more clearly. Nature of Science: Use models as representations of the real world- mechanisms involved in water transport in the xylem can be investigated using apparatus and materials that show similarities in structure to plant tissues. (1.10)
  • 18.
    9.1.S2 Measurement oftranspiration rates using potometers. (Practical 7) AND 9.1.S3 Design of an experiment to test hypotheses about the effect of temperature or humidity on transpiration rates. Design of an experiment to test hypotheses about the effect of temperature or humidity on transpiration rates. Potometers vary in design, but all measure transpiration indirectly by looking at the water uptake. Dependent variable: detail how will you measure transpiration in order that you can calculate a rate. Independent variable: will it be temperature or humidity? How will this be varied and what range of values will you use? control variables: What factors could affect the investigation and hence need to be kept constant? Reliability: how many repetitions do you need? Before answering the question consider how you intend to analyse the data. http://www.findel-international.com/netalogue/zoom/H24920.jpg As transpiration occurs a bubble of air moves into the tube and towards the plant (to replace the volume of water transpired).
  • 19.