Plants have a network of tubes inside of them that are used to transport materials from one place to another. Materials are brought in through the roots and sent up the stem to the leaves. From there, waste materials are released into the air, whereas sugars are transported back down into the roots for storage. Plants require adequate and specific nutrition in order to carry out their daily processes. They take in these nutrients from the soil and use them for growth and repair. Additionally, some plants have symbiotic organisms living in their roots that help them capture atmospheric gases to be used as well. Symbiotic organisms rely on other species to get what they need.
At A Glance
- Plants use a network of tubes to transport materials. Gas exchange occurs through openings in the leaves. Transpiration is dependent on temperature and humidity.
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Roots anchor plants and are the primary site of water and nutrient absorption.
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Xylem carries water up through the plant.
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Transpiration, or water loss, occurs through stomata, openings in the leaves that are also the site of gas exchange with the air.
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Phloem carries food from the leaves.
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Soil quality can impact the growth and health of plants. Nutrients such as potassium and nitrogen are essential to plants' well-being.
- Compounds, elements, and minerals in soil affect soil quality. Contaminants such as pollutants decrease soil quality.
- Some plants have symbiotic organisms living in their roots that are used to capture and convert atmospheric gases to a usable form.
- Bacteria form symbiotic associations with plant roots to make nitrogen from the atmosphere available for the plant's use.
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Mycorrhiza is the relationships between plant roots and fungus that help both organisms grow.
- Some plants capture and digest other organisms to obtain nutrients.
