Question

In flowering plants, water is conducted through
A. Root pressure, capillary action, transpirational pull
B. Only root pressure
C. Xylem
D. None of the above

Answer 1

The plant requires water and minerals to carry out physiological processes. The plants absorb water and minerals from the soil and transport it to all the parts of the plant. The vessels in the plant help in conducting water.

Complete answer: Plants absorb water and minerals from the soil and are transported to all the parts of plants. The vascular tissues called the xylem present in the plants are responsible for the conduction of water. The tracheary elements of the xylem called the xylem tracheids and vessels help in conducting water till the highest point of the plant. It not only transports water but it transports minerals as well. It is a structure made up of different types of cells that work as a unit; they are xylem vessels, tracheids, xylem fibres and xylem parenchyma.
a) Root pressure: It is the osmotic pressure generated in root cells which causes ascent of sap.
b) Capillary action: It is the property of the fluid to flow in narrow spaces.
c) Transpirational pull: It is the pulling action produced in xylem tissues for the upward movement of water.
Thus, the correct answer is C.

Note: The transpiration pull, cohesion property of water, capillary action, adhesion in the cell wall are responsible for the ascent of sap. The transpiration is the loss of water in the form of water vapour through the stomata of leaves. The transpirational pull is greater during the day and less at the night.