How Does Water and Carbon Dioxide Enter a Plant

Plants are capable of manufacturing their own food through the process of photosynthesis. In order to do so, they require two key ingredients: water and carbon dioxide. But how do these two ingredients enter a plant's system? In this article, we will explore the process by which water and carbon dioxide enter a plant.

Water Absorption

Water is absorbed by the roots of a plant. The plant's root system is designed to uptake water from the soil. The roots are covered in tiny hairs called root hairs which increase the surface area of the roots, allowing for greater absorption. Water is drawn towards the root via osmosis; this is the process where water naturally moves from an area of high concentration to low concentration. The roots of a plant are capable of absorbing large amounts of water which is transported through the stem to the leaves.

Transportation of Water

Plants require a constant supply of water in order to survive. Once water is absorbed by the roots, it is transported through the stem to the leaves. Water is transported through a part of the stem called the xylem. The xylem tissue is made up of long, narrow tubes which allow water to move upwards against gravity. Xylem transport is driven by transpiration, which is the loss of water vapor through the plant's leaves. As water evaporates from the leaves, it creates a negative pressure which pulls water up through the xylem towards the leaves. This process is known as the transpiration stream.

Carbon Dioxide Absorption

Carbon dioxide is absorbed by the leaves of a plant. Small pores on the leaves, called stomata, allow for the uptake of carbon dioxide. Stomata are typically found on the underside of plant leaves. The stomata is surrounded by guard cells which regulate the opening and closing of the pore. Carbon dioxide is taken up by the plant and used for photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is converted into glucose, which is used as the plant's food source.

Conclusion

Water and carbon dioxide are two essential ingredients required for a plant to manufacture its own food through photosynthesis. Plants are capable of absorbing water through their root system and transporting it to the leaves through the xylem tissue. Similarly, carbon dioxide is absorbed through the plant's leaves via stomata, which are openings found on the underside of a plant's leaves. These two essential ingredients work together to provide the plant with the nutrients it requires to survive.