What is the pathway of water transport in plants?

Water in plants is transported from the roots to the leaves via the xylem tissue.

In more detail, the transport of water in plants is a fascinating process that involves several steps. It begins in the roots, where water is absorbed from the surrounding soil through root hairs. This water then moves into the root cortex, a region of the root that is permeable to water. From here, the water is transported into the xylem, a type of vascular tissue that is responsible for the upward movement of water and dissolved minerals.

The xylem is made up of long, hollow cells that are dead at maturity, forming a continuous pipeline from the roots to the leaves. The movement of water up the xylem is driven by a combination of two processes: transpiration and capillary action. Transpiration is the evaporation of water from the leaves, which creates a negative pressure or suction that pulls water up the xylem. Capillary action, on the other hand, is the tendency of water to rise in narrow tubes due to the cohesive and adhesive properties of water.

Once the water reaches the leaves, it moves into the mesophyll cells, where it is used in photosynthesis. Any excess water is then evaporated from the leaves in a process known as transpiration. This transpiration creates a 'pull' that draws more water up from the roots, maintaining a continuous flow of water through the plant.

In summary, the pathway of water transport in plants is a complex process that involves absorption from the soil, transport through the xylem, use in photosynthesis, and evaporation through transpiration. This process is vital for the survival of the plant, as it provides the water necessary for photosynthesis and helps to transport nutrients from the soil to the leaves.