Name four plant structures that move water from soil to the air above the forest canopy (through a tree). For each named structure, describe how it works to move water into/within/out of the plant. In your answer, focus on how these structures allow a tree to move water high into the air without a mechanical pump; illustrate how this is possible with your answer

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: The four main plant structures that move water from soil to the air above the forest canopy are root hairs, xylem vessels, tracheids, and stomata of the leaves. Root hairs are considered to be unicellular structures. They are at the very end of lateral roots when it comes to the tap root system. Root hairs are also attached to the sub routes which are included in the fibrous root system. To start off, mineral ions are brought up by these roots. This is done though active transport which occurs inside of the roots. Once active transport is confirmed, a hypertonic condition results within the cells of the root. The hypertonic condition allows for water to be drawn out through the root hairs, which came from the soil, by the process of endosmosis. The pool of water maintains as a continuous 'water column' within the xylem vessels as well as the tracheids. A continuous water column is maintained through the help of a transpirational pull. When water is taken away by water vapour, it is called transpiration. It is completed through parts such as the stomata. Once there is a water loss, a suctions occurs over the water that is held within the water column inside of the xylem vessels and the tracheids. This results in root pressure at the base of the roots and the transpirational pull causes water and minerals to be dissolved. After the water and minerals are dissolved, they are transported through the xylem vessels and the tracheids. This process occurs continuously. Stomata guard cells become turgid when it is day time because of the water that enters. Water entry causes the stomata to open up. On the other hand, at night, the guard cells will shrink because of the exiting of the water and the stomata will begin to close. The opening allows for transpiration which then leads to a transpirational pull. The pull then causes water to flow higher from the roots