The importance of exchange surfaces and transport systems in plants
I can explain how exchange surfaces and transport systems enable cells in multicellular plants to be supplied quickly with substances they need to stay alive.
- Year 11
- AQA
The importance of exchange surfaces and transport systems in plants
I can explain how exchange surfaces and transport systems enable cells in multicellular plants to be supplied quickly with substances they need to stay alive.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Cells in all parts of a multicellular plant need water and nutrients, such as mineral ions, to stay alive.
- Xylem and phloem transport substances around the plant and minimise the distance they have to diffuse to reach cells.
- Root hair cells are an example of an exchange surface in plants.
- The root hair cell membrane is adapted to maximise the surface area for osmosis of water and active transport of ions.
Keywords
Diffusion - the net movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration
Active transport - the net movement of particles against a concentration gradient using energy
Osmosis - the net movement of water molecules through a selectively-permeable membrane from high to low concentration of water molecules
Exchange surface - a specialised surface which enables the efficient exchange of substances
Surface area - the total area of the surface of an object
Common misconception
Students struggle with the idea that plants have organs and systems like humans, and that all these systems and cells are adapted with specialised features to enable them to do their job effectively.
The plant vascular system and human circulatory system have been compared, and human lung alveoli and digestive system villi have been compared with root hair cells.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Diffusion is the net movement of particles ...
Q2.Osmosis is a specific type of diffusion that involves the movement of molecules through a selectively-permeable membrane.
Q3.__________ uses energy to move particles against the natural gradient.
Q4.Which sub-cellular structures carry out cellular respiration?
Q5.Which type of leaf cells carry out the most photosynthesis?
Q6.Which type of specialised plant cells do not contain chloroplasts?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the function of xylem in plants?
Q2.Which cells increase the surface area for water and mineral uptake in roots?
Q3.What is the main function of phloem in plants?
Q4.What role do stomata play in the process of gas exchange in leaves?
Q5.Which of the following are phloem responsible for transporting?
Q6.Match the transport method to where it occurs in a plant.
