a series of chemical reactions in the cells of producers, which use carbon dioxide and water to make glucose and oxygen, requiring light

the amount of light reaching a given area in a given time

pores in the leaf through which water, oxygen and carbon dioxide can diffuse

the loss of water from a plant’s leaves

The effects of environmental factors on the rate of water uptake by a plant

Combined science

Plant roots are adapted to absorb water and mineral ions

Transport systems in plants: xylem and transpiration

Observing the structure and distribution of stomata: practical

Transport systems in plants: phloem and translocation

Observing xylem and phloem using a light microscope: practical

The importance of exchange surfaces and transport systems in plants

Pupils will learn about ways in which the human body maintains a constant internal environment in response to internal and external change, including changes in temperature and water balance.

Pupils learned about aerobic and anaerobic cellular respiration, including the chemical reactants and products of the processes, and practical ways to measure the rate of cellular respiration in living cells.

This unit covers water and mineral uptake in plants, focusing on root hair cells, xylem, and phloem. It includes transpiration, translocation, and factors affecting water uptake. Emphasis is on rate calculations, graph interpretation, experiments, and data analysis.

Transport and exchange surfaces in plants

What is the effect of increased light intensity on water uptake?

What is the effect of increased air movement on water uptake?

Why does higher temperature increase water uptake?

Light intensity, plant species, soil type

Nutrient availability, water quality, plant species

Light intensity, temperature, air movement

What are the main environmental factors affecting water uptake in plants?

Water is a reactant in the photosynthesis process

Why is water uptake important for photosynthesis?

By increasing water absorption through roots

By quickly removing water vapour from the area surrounding the leaf

How does increased air movement enhance transpiration?

Which parts of a plant are involved in the transpiration stream?

What role do chloroplasts play in a plant cell?

What is the primary function of the xylem in plants?

By changing shape to open or close the stomata

How do guard cells regulate the opening and closing of stomata?

What is the role of the phloem in plants?

The effects of environmental factors on the rate of water uptake by a plant

Lesson outcome