9.1 Transport in the xylem of plants

9.1 Transport in the xylem of plants

1. NATURE OF SCIENCE

   • Use models as representations of the real world
     • Water transport in the xylem using apparatus and materials that show similarities in structure to plant tissues
       • Models of water transport in xylem
         • Blotting or filter paper
         • Filter paper
         • Porous pots
         • Capillaries tubing
       • Potometers
       • Effect of temperature or humidity on transpiration rates

2. Transpiration

   • Water from the roots to the leaves to replace losses from evaporation
     • Active uptake of mineral ions in the roots causes absorption of water by osmosis
       • Cohesive vs Adhesive properties of water
         • Structure of the xylem vessels
           • Measurement of stomatal apertures and the distribution of stomata using leaf casts
   • Drawing the structure of primary xylem vessels in sections of stems based on microscope images
     • Aim 7
       • Image processing software and digital microscopes increases further the ability to gather more data to ensure reliability

3. Adaptations of plants

   • Deserts
   • Saline soils for water conservation