SMART MOVE TUTORIALS

CTET, BIOLOGY

Plant parts and animal products as food:

Ÿ Some plants have two or more parts that are edible. For
example, we get oil from mustard seeds and its leaves are used to
make greens.
Ÿ Bees collect nectar (sweet nectar) from flowers and store it in
their hive. Flower nectar is available only at certain times of the
year.
Ÿ Banana plant used as food
Ÿ 'Some' plants can be poisonous.
Animal food:
Ÿ Animals that eat only plants are called herbivores.
Ÿ Animals that eat only animals are called carnivores.
Ÿ Animals that eat both plants and other animals are called
omnivores.
Individual food items:
Ÿ Every dish is made from one or more types of raw materials,
which we get from plants or animals. This raw material contains
some essential components for our body. We call these
components nutrients. The main nutrients in our food are
carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and mineral salts.
Ÿ The main carbohydrates found in our food are in the form of
starch and sugar which mainly provide energy to our body. Energy
is also obtained from fat.
Ÿ Copper sulphate solution is made by dissolving 2 grams of
copper sulphate in 100 ml water.
Ÿ By dissolving 10 grams of caustic soda in 100 ml of water, we
will get the desired caustic soda solution.
Various Nutrients for our Body:
Ÿ Protein is required for the growth of the body and to stay
healthy. Protein-rich food is often called 'body building food'
Ÿ Vitamins protect our body from diseases. Vitamins also help in
keeping our eyes, bones, teeth and gums healthy.
Ÿ There are many types of vitamins, which are known by different
names. Some of these are known as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin
C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. A group of vitamins is
called Vitamin B-Complex.
Ÿ Our body requires all types of vitamins in small quantities.
Ÿ Vitamin A keeps our skin and eyes healthy. Vitamin C helps us
fight many diseases. Vitamin D helps our body use calcium for our
bones and teeth.
Ÿ Our body also produces vitamin D in the presence of sunlight.
Ÿ The amount of carbohydrate in rice is more than in other
nutrients. On this basis, we can say that rice is a carbohydrate
rich food.
Ÿ Apart from these nutrients, our body also needs dietary fiber and
water. Dietary fiber is also known as roughage. Roughage in our
food is mainly supplied by plant products. The main sources of
roughage are whole grains, pulses, potatoes, fresh fruits and
vegetables.
Vitamins Table
(Vitamin Table)
Here is a table of essential vitamins with examples of
each:
VitaminFunctionSourcesVitamin A (Retinol)Supports vision,
immune system and skin healthCarrots, sweet potatoes, spinach,
kale, liver, eggsVitamin B1 (Thiamine)Aids energy metabolism
and nerve functionWhole grains, pork, nuts, seeds,
legumesVitamin B2 (Riboflavin)Essential for energy production
and maintaining healthy skinDairy products, lean meat, almonds,
mushroomsVitamin B3 (Niacin)Important for energy production
and DNA repairChicken, fish, peanuts, whole grains,
mushroomsVitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)Involved in fatty acid
synthesis and energy metabolismAvocado, broccoli, whole grains,
chickenVitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)Aids brain development and
function, and helps with red blood cell formationBananas, poultry,
fish, potatoes, fortified cerealsVitamin B7 (Biotin)Plays a role in
metabolism and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and nailsEgg
yolk, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoesVitamin B9 (Folate or Folic
Acid)Important for DNA synthesis and cell growth, especially
during pregnancyLeafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, fortified
cerealsVitamin B12 (Cobalamin)Necessary for nerve function
and the production of DNA and red blood cellsMeat, fish, dairy
products, fortified plant-based foodsVitamin C (Ascorbic
Acid)Supports the immune system, helps absorb iron and
promotes skin healthCitrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers,
broccoliVitamin D (Calciferol)Important for bone health and
helps regulate calcium absorptionsunlight, fatty fish (e.g., salmon,
mackerel), fortified dairy productsVitamin E (Tocopherol)Acts
as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damageNuts, seeds,
vegetable oils, spinach, broccoliVitamin K
(Phylloquinone)Essential for blood clotting and bone
healthLeafy vegetables (e.g., kale, spinach), broccoli, Brussels
sprouts
It is important to note that a balanced and varied diet is the best
way to ensure adequate intake of these vitamins. If you have
specific health concerns or dietary restrictions, it is advisable to
consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

Balanced diet:
Ÿ No nutrient should be more than required and our diet should
also contain sufficient roughage and water. This type of diet is
called a balanced diet.
Ÿ If vegetables and fruits are washed after peeling them, it is
possible that some of their vitamins may be destroyed.
Ÿ The skin of vegetables and fruits contains many important
vitamins and minerals. Washing rice and pulses repeatedly may
separate out the vitamins and some minerals present in them.
Deficiency diseases:
ŸSometimes there is a deficiency of a particular nutrient in food. If
this deficiency persists for a long period, then the person may
suffer from its deficiency. The lack of one or more nutrients can
cause diseases or deformities in our body. Diseases that occur
due to the lack of nutrients for a long period are called deficiency
diseases.
Nutrition in Plants
(Nutrition in Plants)
Here is a comprehensive list of the essential nutrients for
plants, along with examples of each element:
NutrientsFunction in PlantsSourceNitrogen (N)Required for
the synthesis of proteins, enzymes, and chlorophyllnitrate (NO3-)
and ammonium (NH4+) ions in soil, carbon contentPhosphorous
(P)Involved in energy transfer (ATP), DNA and RNA
synthesisPhosphate (PO4^3-) ions in soil, organic phosphorus
compoundsPotassium (K)Regulates water uptake, enzyme
activation, and photosynthesisPotassium ions (K+) in the
soilCalcium (Ca)Essential in cell wall structure, membrane
integrity, and signalingCalcium ions (Ca2+) in the
soilMagnesium (Mg)component of chlorophyll, involved in
photosynthesisMagnesium ions (Mg2+) in soilSulfur
(S)Component of amino acids, vitamins, and coenzymesSulfate
(SO4^2-) ions in soil, organic materialIron (Fe)Required for
chlorophyll synthesis and electron synthesisIron ions (Fe2+ and
Fe3+) in soilZinc (Zn)Involved in enzyme activation and hormone
synthesisZinc ions (Zn2+) in soilCopper (Cu)Required for
electron synthesis in photosynthesisCopper ions (Cu2+) in
soilManganese (Mn)Involved in photosynthesis, respiration, and
nitrogen metabolismManganese ions (Mn2+) in soilBoron
(B)Important for cell formation and sugar transportBorate
(BO3^3-) ions in soilMolybdenum (Mo)Required for nitrogen
metabolism and enzyme activityMolybdate (MoO4^2-) ions in soil
Example:
Ÿ Nitrogen (N): Plants obtain it from nitrate (NO3-) or ammonium
(NH4+) ions in the soil. Examples of nitrogen-containing sources
include peanuts (such as peanut butter) and nitrogen-fixing
bacteria in the roots of some plants.
It is important to remember that plants need water and sunlight
for photosynthesis, but these are not traditionally included in
nutrients.
Ÿ The method of nutrition in which organisms synthesize their own
food is called autotrophic nutrition.
Ÿ Animals and other organisms are food synthesized by plants.
They are called heterotrophs.
Process of food synthesis in plants:
Ÿ Leaves are the food factories of the plant. Water and minerals
are transported to the leaves through vessels. These vessels are
like needles and extend to the roots, stem, branches and leaves.
Ÿ Leaves contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll
helps the leaves to store the energy of sunlight (solar light). This
energy is used in food synthesis from water and carbon dioxide,
because food synthesis takes place in the presence of sunlight.
That is why it is called photosynthesis.
Ÿ Sun energy is collected by the leaves and stored in the plant as
food. Hence, the sun is the ultimate source of energy for all living
beings.
Ÿ In the absence of photosynthesis, life on earth is impossible.
Carbon dioxide + Water —– Sunlight / Chlorophyll ——-
Carbohydrate + Oxygen
Ÿ In this process oxygen is released. Carbohydrates finally get
stored in the leaves as starch. The presence of starch in the
leaves indicates the completion of the photosynthesis process.
Starch is also a type of carbohydrate.
Other methods of nutrition in plants:
Ÿ Like humans and other animals, these plants also depend on
food produced by other plants for their nutrition. They use the
heterotrophic system.
Ÿ It is a plant of Amarbel. It does not contain chlorophyll. They get
their food from the plant on which they climb. The plant on which
they climb is called a heterotroph. Since plants like Amarbel
deprive the host of valuable nutrients, they are called parasites.
Ÿ There are also some plants which catch insects and digest them.
Saprophyte:
Ÿ Structures similar to cotton threads are visible. These organisms
are called fungi. Their nutrition system or method of nutrition is of
different types. They secrete some digestive juices on the surface
of dead and decomposing (rotting) objects (organic matter) and
convert it into simple and soluble form. After that they absorb this
solution as food. This type of nutrition system, in which organisms
obtain nutrients from dead and decomposing organic matter, is
called saprophytic nutrition.
Ÿ Fungi grow on pickles, leather, clothes and other substances.
Ÿ Many fungi like yeast and umbrella are also useful. But some
fungi cause diseases in plants, animals and humans. Some fungi
are also used as medicine.
Ÿ Some organisms live with each other and share their habitat and
nutrients with each other. This is called symbiotic relationship. For
example, some fungi live in the roots of trees. Trees provide
nutrition to the fungi, in return they get help in absorbing water
and nutrients.
Ÿ Some organisms called lichens have two partners. One of these
is algae and the other is fungus. Algae contain chlorophyll while
fungi do not have chlorophyll. The fungus provides habitat, water
and nutrients to the algae and in return the algae provides food
synthesized by photosynthesis to the fungus.
Ÿ Plants generally require large amounts of nitrogen to make
proteins. After harvesting, the soil becomes depleted of nitrogen.
Although nitrogen gas is available in abundance in the air, plants
are unable to use it the way they use carbon dioxide. Plants can
absorb nitrogen only in soluble form. Certain bacteria called
Rhizobium
Also read: SlidesharePPT

Nutrition in animals
(Nutrition in Animals)
Here is a list of essential nutrients for animal nutrition, along with
examples of each element:
NutrientsFunction in animalsSourceProteinto build tissues,
enzymes, and hormonesMeat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs,
pulsesCarbohydratesThe main energy source for the
bodyCereals, fruits, vegetables, pulsesFats (lipids)Function of
energy storage, stability, and cushioning for organsOil, butter,
nuts, seeds, spicy fishVitaminsMultiple functions, including
recommendation and support of immunizationFruits, vegetables,
dairy products, meat, whole grainsMineralEssential for bone
health, fiber function, and enzyme functionDairy products, leafy
vegetables, nuts, seeds, meatWaterEssential for various physical
processes and hydrationDrinking water, wet food, fruit,
vegetables
Example:
Ÿ Protein: Found in meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, and
pulses. They are broken down into amino acids during digestion
and are used for a variety of biological functions.
Ÿ Carbohydrates: Come from grains, fruits, vegetables, and
pulses. They are broken down into glucose, which is the major
energy source for the body.
Ÿ Fats (lipids): These include oils, butter, nuts, seeds, and
processed fish. Fats provide a storage source of energy and are
necessary for absorbing essential vitamins.
Ÿ Vitamins: Found in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats,
and whole grains. Examples include lemons for C, pickled fish for
vitamin D, and carrots for vitamin A.
Ÿ Minerals: Found in dairy products, leafy vegetables, nuts,
seeds, and meat. These include calcium for bone health, iron for
blood function, and potassium for fiber and muscle function.
Ÿ Water: Necessary for hydration and various physical processes
and can be obtained from drinking water, wet food, fruits, and
vegetables.
It is extremely important for animals to have a balanced diet with
these essential nutrients to support growth, development, and
overall health. Specific nutritional requirements may vary
between different animal species.
Ÿ The nutrition of living beings includes the requirement of
nutrients, the method of ingestion of food and the method of its
utilization in the body.
Ÿ Some components such as carbohydrates are complex
substances. Many animals cannot use these complex substances
directly in this form. Therefore, they must be converted into
simpler substances, as shown in the following diagram. The
conversion or breakdown of complex food substances into simpler
substances is called breakdown and this process is called
digestion.
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Digestion in Humans
(Human Digestion)
Here is a complete table showing the major steps in human
digestion, along with examples:
Digestion PhaseplaceKey
ProcessesExampleassimilationmouthfood intakeEating
sandwichesMechanical Digestionmouth and stomachchew and
stealchewing the apple, munching the stomachChemical
DigestionMouth (saliva), stomach (gastric juices), small intestine
(pancreatic enzymes)Disintegration of macromoleculesBreakdown
of sugar by amylase, digestion of proteins by pepsin, breakdown
of fats by lipaseAbsorptionSmall intestineSimilarity in nutrient
sourceAbsorption of glucose from sugar, Absorption of amino
acids from proteintransportationblood circulationtransport of
nutrient sources into cellsNutrients are transported to various
body cells through the bloodstreamDismantlingLarge
intestineGeneration and disposal of undigested wasteformation of
undigested waste in the large intestine and elimination from the
body
Example:
Ÿ Assimilation: Eating a sandwich involves consuming solid food
into the mouth.
Ÿ Mechanical digestion: Chewing an apple mechanically breaks
down the food into smaller, more easily digestible parts.
Ÿ Chemical digestion: Chemical processes such as the
breakdown of sugars in saliva, digestion of proteins by pepsin,
and the breakdown of fats by lipase take place in the small
intestine.
Ÿ Absorption: Absorption of glucose from sugars and absorption
of amino acids from proteins in the small intestine.
Ÿ Transportation: Nutrients are transported to different cells of
the body through blood circulation.
Ÿ Elimination: Undigested waste builds up in the large intestine
and is expelled from the body.
This complete table provides a comprehensive illustration of the
major steps of human digestion, including the location, key
processes, and examples of each step.
The food passes through a continuous tube, which starts from the
oral cavity and goes to the anus. This tube can be divided into
different parts:
1. oral cavity
2. Grass- Nati or Prasika
3. stomach
4. small intestine (ileum)
5. the large intestine (colon) which is connected to the rectum and
the anus
6. anus or rectum
All these parts together form the alimentary canal (not the
digestive tract).
Various glands associated with the inner wall of the stomach,
small intestine and alimentary canal such as salivary glands, liver,
pancreas secrete digestive juices. Digestive juices convert
complex substances into their simple forms. The alimentary canal
and associated glands together form the digestive system.

Mouth and oral cavity

Ÿ The process of taking food into the body is called ingestion.
Ÿ Each tooth is nestled in a separate socket in the gums
Ÿ There is a salivary gland in our mouth, which secretes saliva
Ÿ The saliva converts rice starch into sugar
Ÿ The tongue is a fleshy muscular organ attached posteriorly to
the ventral floor of the oral cavity
Ÿ We use the tongue to speak. Apart from this, it works to mix
saliva in food and also helps in swallowing. It is through the
tongue that we get to know the taste. There are taste buds on the
tongue.
Ÿ Our first set of teeth appear during infancy and by the age of 8
years all these teeth fall. These are called milk teeth. In place of
these teeth, other teeth emerge which are called permanent
teeth. In a normal healthy person, permanent teeth remain for the
entire life, however in old age they usually start falling.
no food (esophagus)
Ÿ The esophagus passes through the throat and chest. The food
keeps sliding down due to the contraction of the walls of the
esophagus. In fact, the entire food pipe keeps contracting and
keeps pushing the food downward.
Ÿ Sometimes our stomach does not accept the food we eat and as
a result it is thrown out through vomiting.
Ÿ When food particles enter our breath, we feel suffocated and get
hiccups or cough.
stomach
Ÿ The stomach is a sac-like structure with thick walls. It is flat and
'J' shaped and is the widest part of the alimentary canal. It
receives food from the esophagus (not the food) on one side and
opens into the small intestine on the other side.
Ÿ The inner lining (surface) of the stomach secretes mucus,
hydrochloric acid and digestive juices. The mucus provides
protection to the inner lining of the stomach. The acid kills many
bacteria that reach there with food. It also makes the medium
acidic, which helps the digestive juices to act. The digestive juice
(gastric juice) breaks down proteins into simpler substances.
small intestine
ŸThe small intestine is about 7.5 meters long and is not very
coiled. It receives fluid from the liver and pancreas. Apart from
this, some juices are also secreted from its wall.
Ÿ The liver is a dark reddish-brown gland located on the right side
of the upper abdomen. It is the largest growth in the body. It
secretes bile juice, which is stored in a sac called the gall bladder.
Bile juice plays an important role in the digestion of fats.
Ÿ Carbohydrates are converted into simple sugars such as glucose.
Fats are converted into fatty acids and glycerol and proteins are
converted into amino acids.
absorption in the small intestine
Ÿ The digested food gets absorbed and goes into the blood vessels
located in the wall of the small intestine. This process is called
absorption. On the inner wall of the small intestine, there are
finger-like protrusions, which are called villi or villi.
Ÿ The villi increase the surface area for absorption of the digested
food. A network of tiny blood vessels is spread in each villi. The
digested food is absorbed from the surface of the villi
large intestine
Ÿ The large intestine is wider and shorter than the small intestine.
It is about 1.5 meters long. Its main function is to absorb water
and some salts. The remaining undigested matter goes into the
rectum and remains in the form of semi-solid stool. From time to
time this stool is thrown out through the anus. This is called
expulsion.
Digestion in Grass-Eating Animals
Ÿ You have seen cows, buffaloes and other grass eating
(herbivorous) animals keep ruminating continuously even when
they are not eating fodder. Actually they first swallow the grass
quickly and store it in a part of the stomach. This part is called
rumen (first stomach). In ruminants, the stomach is divided into
four parts.
Ÿ Partial digestion of food takes place in the rumen, which is called
cud. But later the animal brings it back to the mouth in the form
of small lumps and keeps chewing them. This process is called
rumination and such animals are called ruminants or ruminants.
Ÿ Grass is rich in cellulose. Many animals and humans cannot
digest cellulose.
Ÿ Animals like horse, rabbit etc. have a large sac-like structure
between the small intestine and the large intestine which is called
the cecum. The cellulose of the food is digested here by some
bacteria, which are absent in the alimentary canal of humans.
☐
Here is the complete table showing the components and
functions of communication system with examples:
ConstituentWorkExampleHeartpumping blood through the
circulatory systemThe heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body
and receives deoxygenated blood from the body.blood
vesselspumping blood through the bodyArteries carry
oxygenated blood away from the heart, while veins return
deoxygenated blood to the heart. Capillaries ensure the exchange
of nutrients and gases between the capillaries and the
blood.bloodPumping oxygen, nutrition, hormones, and raw
materialsHemoglobin in red blood cells binds with oxygen,
allowing transport. Plasma pumps nutrients, hormones, and raw
materials.cardiovascular transmissionSystemic and pulmonary
transmissionSystemic circulation delivers oxygenated blood to
healthy tissues, while pulmonary circulation sends blood to the
lungs to be parts of the heartatrium and ventriclesThe atrium
receives blood into the heart, while the ventricles pump blood out.
The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood, the left atrium
receives oxygenated blood. The right ventricle pumps blood to the
lungs, the left ventricle pumps blood to the body.Cardiac
Cyclethe heart's entiretySystole is the period of the heart's
ascent, when blood is pumped out. Diastole is the period of the
heart's rest, in which the heart is allowed to refill with any blood it
needs.blood pressurethe force of blood against the walls of the
arteriesThe systolic blood pressure is the standard blood pressure
during the heart's outward beat, while the diastolic blood pressure
is during rest. Hydrogen is measured in millimeters
(mm).pulseenlargement and narrowing of the arteriesThe pulse is
the force of movement through the arteries, which can be
measured by heartbeat sounds and the flow of blood.lymphatic
transmissionHandling of fluid complaints and securityLymphatic
vessels carry lymph which is responsible for draining precious
fluids and excess fluid back into the blood vessels. Lymph also
cleanses the rectum and helps protect the body from bloodstream
infections.
Example:
Ÿ Heart: The heart delivers oxygenated blood to the body through
systemic circulation and receives deoxygenated blood from the
body through pulmonary circulation.
Ÿ Blood vessels: Arteries, such as the aorta, carry oxygenated
blood away from the heart, while veins, such as the vena cava,
return deoxygenated blood to the heart.
Ÿ Blood: Red blood cells transport oxygen with hemoglobin, while
plasma pumps nutrients, hormones, and raw materials.
Ÿ Cardiovascular circulation: Systemic circulation delivers
oxygenated blood to energetic tissues, and pulmonary circulation
occurs biventricularly to oxygenate blood in the lungs.
Ÿ Parts of the Heart: The left atrium receives deoxygenated
blood, and the left ventricle pumps the blood to the body.
Ÿ Cardiac cycle: Systole is the period of the heart's ascent, when
blood is pumped out, and diastole is the period of the heart's rest,
in which the heart is allowed to refill with any blood.
Ÿ Blood pressure: Normal blood pressure is around 120/80
mmHg (mmHg), with 120 being the systolic and 80 being the
diastolic pressure.
Ÿ Pulse: The radial pulse is felt at the wrist, showing the
heartbeat and rate of blood flow.
Ÿ Lymphatic circulation: Lymphatic vessels, such as those in the
neck, help return dead and excess fluid from the lymph to the
bloodstream and back to the bloodstream. Lymph nodes filter and
trap pathogens.
This table provides a summary of the circulatory system, its
components, functions, and examples to help it stay healthy and
maintain vital body functions.

blood
Ÿ Blood is a fluid that flows in the blood vessels. It carries digested
food from the small intestine to other parts of the body. Blood also
carries oxygen from the lungs to the cells of the body. Blood also
transports waste materials from the body to remove them.
Ÿ Blood is made up of a fluid called plasma.
Ÿ There is one type of cell in the blood – red blood cells (RBC),
which contain a red pigment called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin
binds oxygen with itself and transports it to all parts of the body
and ultimately to all cells.
Ÿ The colour of blood is red due to the presence of haemoglobin.
Ÿ There are other types of cells in the blood, which are called
white blood cells (WBC). These cells destroy the germs that enter
our body.
Ÿ Blood clotting occurs due to the presence of another type of
cells in it, called platelets.
blood vessels
Ÿ There are two types of blood vessels in the body- Arteries and
Veins
Ÿ Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all parts of the
body. Because blood flows quickly and at high pressure, the walls
of arteries are thick and elastic.
Ÿ The number of beats per minute is called the pulse rate. The
pulse rate of a healthy adult at rest is usually 72 to 80 beats per
minute.
Ÿ The blood vessels that carry carbon dioxide-rich blood from all
parts of the body back to the heart are called veins. The walls of
veins are relatively thin. Veins have valves that allow blood to
flow only towards the heart.
Ÿ Arteries are seen dividing into other small vessels. Upon
reaching the tissues, they again divide into very thin tubes, called
capillaries. The capillaries again join together to form veins, which
carry blood to the heart.
Ÿ The pulmonary artery carries blood away from the heart, so it is
called an artery and not a vein. It carries carbon dioxide-rich
blood to the lungs. It brings carbon-rich blood from the lungs to
the heart.
Heart
Ÿ The heart is the organ that acts as a pump to transport
substances through the blood and it beats continuously, on an
average, 60 – 100 times per minute.
Ÿ The heart is divided into four chambers. The upper two
chambers are called atrium and the lower two chambers are
called ventricles. The dividing wall between the chambers does
not allow oxygen-rich blood and carbon dioxide-rich blood to mix.
heart beat
Ÿ The walls of the chambers of the heart are made of muscles.
These muscles contract and relax rhythmically. This rhythmic
contraction and the rhythmic relaxation that follows are together
called the heart beat.
Ÿ Doctors use an instrument called a stethoscope to measure your
heartbeat.
human excretory system
Ÿ An adult normally excretes 1 to 1.8 liters of urine in 24 hours.
Urine contains 95% water, 2.5% urea and 2.5% other waste
products.
Ÿ Sometimes a person's kidneys stop working. This can happen
due to an infection or injury. When the kidney becomes inactive,
the amount of waste material in the blood increases. The chances
of such a person surviving for a long time are reduced. However,
if the waste material is removed from the blood by regularly
filtering it with an artificial kidney, then it is possible to increase
the life span. This method of filtering blood is called dialysis.
Transportation of water and minerals
Ÿ Plants absorb water and minerals through roots. Roots have root
hairs. In fact, root hairs increase the surface area of the root for
the uptake of water and mineral nutrients dissolved in water. Root
hairs are in contact with the water present between the soil
particles.
Ÿ Plants have pipe-like vessels for transporting water and nutrients
from the soil. The vessels are made up of special cells that form
vascular tissue. Tissue is a group of cells that performs a specific
function in an organism. The vascular tissue in plants for
transporting water and nutrients is called xylem.
Ÿ Xylem forms a continuous network of channels (tubes) that
connects the roots to the leaves through the stem and branches
and the system thus formed transports water throughout the
plant.
Ÿ The leaves synthesize food. The food is transported to all parts
of the plant. This work is done by a transport tissue called
phloem.