Cell specialisation

Structure → Function connections

Tap each node to see what that feature does. Follow the links to see how each structural feature connects to its function.

Stop and predict

Commit to an answer before revealing — xylem and phloem features are easy to mix up.

A student describes xylem like this: 'Xylem cells have pores in their end walls so dissolved sugars can pass through.' How many errors does this description contain?

How plant cells are specialised for transport

Follow water and mineral ions from the soil, then trace how dissolved sugars move through the plant.

1. 1Water enters at root hair cellsRoot hair cells absorb water and mineral ions from the soil. Their long projection greatly increases the surface area, so more absorption can happen at the same time.+
2. 2Water and mineral ions enter xylemOnce absorbed, water and mineral ions move into xylem vessels. The hollow tubes provide a continuous, unobstructed channel for transport through the plant.+
3. 3Dissolved sugars enter phloemDissolved sugars are loaded into phloem cells and transported as cell sap to all parts of the plant that need them.+
4. 4Sugars move cell to cell through phloemPores in the end walls of phloem cells (sieve plates) allow cell sap containing dissolved sugars to pass from one phloem cell to the next along the tube.+