Question

Minerals absorbed by roots move to the leaf through
A. Xylem
B. Phloem
C. Sieve tube
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Plants absorb minerals and water through the soil or the media in which they grow. The absorption of materials and water is very important in the growth and development of the plant. The materials and water absorbed from the soil are used by the plants to maintain several processes including the photosynthetic activities.

Complete answer:
The uptake of minerals by the plant cells from the soil is known as mineral absorption. The minerals enter the cellular materials of the plants and are absorbed by the roots of the plant. The roots serve as the entry portal of the minerals. The minerals are absorbed by the root hairs. The root hairs take up the minerals which are further moved to the xylem and then move to the other parts of the plant such as the leaves through the xylem.
The xylem is one of the transport tissues present in the plants that are responsible for the transportation of water and other types of minerals from the roots to the different parts of the plant. The xylem forms a network of conducting vessels that connects the roots, stem and leaves of the plant. These conducting channels reach to every growing part of the plant. The xylem sap consists of water, inorganic and organic minerals which are moved to different parts of the plant.
During the transportation, minerals exit the xylem and enter the cell where they are required and cross the plasma membrane through the chemiosmotic mechanism.
Phloem are the second type of transportation tissues that are present in the plants in addition to the xylem. The phloem carries the soluble organic compounds that are manufactured by the plants through the photosynthetic process. The prepared food from the leaves to the plant are transported by the phloem to different parts of the plants.
Sieve tubes are elongated cells of the phloem and are connected to each other through the sieve plates. They maintain the cells and help in the transportation of necessary substances with the help of companion cells.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: The minerals are absorbed from the soil by the roots of the plants and are transported by the xylem tissues to the different parts of the plants. The xylem helps in the transportation of the mineral and water to other parts of the plant. They form an important system for the conduction of minerals and water.