The xylem

The idea

Roots take up water along with minerals, important nutrients for plant growth, from the soil; these move up to the leaves and other parts through thin tube-like structures called the xylem.

Far from the roots

Roots take up water from the soil. But the leaves and flowers are far above the roots.

How do you think the water reaches the leaves?

• Through thin tubes in the stem
• It does not reach them
• The leaves make their own water

Follow the red water

A stem stands in water coloured with red ink. Let time pass. Then cut the stem across.

Tubes called xylem

The red colour travelled up in thin tube-like structures. Minerals dissolved in water travel the same way.

Roots take up water along with minerals, important nutrients for plant growth, from the soil; these move up to the leaves and other parts through thin tube-like structures called the xylem.

Notes

Roots take up water along with minerals, important nutrients for plant growth, from the soil; these move up to the leaves and other parts through thin tube-like structures called the xylem.

Check yourself

What carries water and minerals from the roots to the leaves?

In the experiment, why did the stem, leaves and flower turn red?

Which part of a plant takes up water and minerals from the soil?

In which direction does the xylem carry water and minerals?

• Stomata. Stomata are tiny pores on the leaf surface for gases.
• Xylem — correct. Yes! The xylem carries water and minerals.
• Phloem. The phloem carries the food prepared in the leaves.
• Sunlight turned them red. The red colour came from the ink in the water, not from the Sun.
• The leaves painted themselves red. The colour came from the red ink in the water.
• The red water moved up through the xylem — correct. Yes! Water and anything dissolved in it moves up the xylem.
• The roots — correct. Yes! Roots take them up from the soil.
• The leaves. Leaves prepare food. Roots take up water and minerals.
• The flowers. Flowers do not take up water and minerals from the soil. Roots do.
• Down, from the leaves to the roots. Water and minerals are taken up by the roots and move up.
• Up, from the roots to the leaves and other parts — correct. Yes! They move up.
• Only sideways. They move up from the roots to the leaves and other parts.