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A question to think about…

How does food made in the leaves get

transported to the rest of the plant?

How does water and mineral salts get to

the leaves and other parts of a plant?

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The transport system of plants

• The leaves of plants make food during photosynthesis.

• The food is used by plants parts like the roots, the stem, the flowers and the fruits.

• Plants need water and mineral salts as well.

• These are taken in through the roots and are needed to help plants stay healthy.

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Tubes for transporting• A plant’s transport system is made up of

two separate sets of fine tubes that run through the leaves, stems and roots.

• Xylem tubeso Transport water and mineral salts from the

roots to the other parts of the plants.• Phloem tubes

o Transport food made in the leaves to all other parts of the plant.

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Tubes for transportingXylem tubes carry water and mineral salts from the roots to other parts of the plant.

Phloem tubes carry food from the leaves to other parts of the plant.

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Tubes for transporting• You can see the xylem tubes by

examining the cut surface of a stalk of celery with a magnifying glass.

xylem tube

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Tubes for transporting• You will see red spots on the cut surface of the

celery.• These red spots show the xylem tubes which have

been stained as the coloured water is transported through them.

xylem tube

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Food and water carrying tubes in the stem

Together in harmony

My Pals are Here! Science © 2008 Marshall Cavendish (Singapore) Private Limited

• The phloem and xylem tubes work together to transport food, water and mineral salts to different parts of the plants.

• This transport system allows food produced by the leaves to reach other plant parts like the flowers and roots.

• Water and mineral salts absorbed by the roots are able to be transported to the leaves and other plant parts too.

• By working together, these tubes help plants to grow healthy.

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Substances that pass through a leaf

Cross Word Puzzle on Photosynthesis

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