Vascular plants have an internal transport system made of roots, stems, and leaves to absorb water and nutrients. Non-vascular plants are smaller and simpler as they lack this vascular system. The process of photosynthesis begins with a plant absorbing water and minerals through its roots, which then travel up through tubes to the leaves where sunlight, carbon dioxide, and the absorbed water and minerals are used to produce glucose through photosynthesis. The glucose is then distributed throughout the plant.