4.5: Transport

The structure of plant roots, stems, and leaves facilitates the transport of water, nutrients, and photosynthates throughout the plant. The phloem and xylem are the main tissues responsible for this movement. Water and nutrients are absorbed from the soil by roots ands transported through the xylem. Much water is lost through the stomata in the leaves, and plants have a variety of adaptations to reduce water loss (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)). The products of photosynthesis move through the phloem from sources to the tissues and organs that need them. These mechanisms of transport allow plant organs to specialize because they can export excess substances and import what they do not produce or collect locally.

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