Plants have a transport system consisting of xylem and phloem tubes that carry nutrients throughout the plant. Xylem tubes transport water and minerals up from the roots, while phloem tubes transport food made in the leaves throughout the other plant parts. This coordinated system allows for the circulation of water, minerals, and food across a plant to promote growth and health.

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2. A question to think about…
How does food made
in the leaves get
transported to the rest
of the plant?
How does water and
mineral salts get to
the leaves and other
parts of a plant?
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3. The transport system of plants
• The leaves of plants make food during
photosynthesis.
• The food is used by plants parts like the roots,
the stem, the flowers and the fruits.
• Plants need water and mineral salts as well.
• These are taken in
through the roots and are
needed to help plants stay
healthy.
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4. Tubes for transporting
• A plant’s transport system is made up of
two separate sets of fine tubes that run
through the leaves, stems and roots.
• Xylem tubes
o Transport water and mineral salts from the
roots to the other parts of the plants.
• Phloem tubes
o Transport food made in the leaves to all other
parts of the plant.
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5. Tubes for transporting
Xylem tubes carry water and
mineral salts from the roots to
other parts of the plant.
Phloem tubes carry food from
the leaves to other parts of the
plant.
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6. Tubes for transporting
• You can see the xylem tubes by
examining the cut surface of a
stalk of celery with a magnifying
glass.
xylem tube
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7. Tubes for transporting
• You will see red spots on the cut surface of the
celery.
• These red spots show the xylem tubes which have
been stained as the coloured water is transported
through them.
xylem tube
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8. Food and water carrying tubes in the stem

9. Together in harmony
My Pals are Here! Science © 2008 Marshall Cavendish (Singapore) Private Limited
• The phloem and xylem tubes work together to
transport food, water and mineral salts to
different parts of the plants.
• This transport system allows food produced by
the leaves to reach other plant parts like the
flowers and roots.
• Water and mineral salts absorbed by the roots
are able to be transported to the leaves and
other plant parts too.
• By working together, these tubes help plants to
grow healthy.
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10. Substances that pass through a leaf

11. Cross Word Puzzle on Photosynthesis

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