BIO101 – Topic 28: Plant and Animal Transport Systems
Course Code: BIO 101
Course Name: General Biology
© Lesuyai Organic Guides 2025
(Original | Educational | Professional | Plagiarism-Free | A4 Format)
28.1 Introduction
The survival of living organisms depends on the efficient transport of materials within their
bodies. Transport systems ensure that water, nutrients, gases, and waste products are
effectively moved to where they are needed.
28.2 Definition of Transport Systems
A transport system refers to the structures and mechanisms that facilitate the movement of
substances such as nutrients, gases, and waste within an organism.
28.3 Importance of Transport in Living Organisms
Transport systems are essential for supplying cells with nutrients, removing waste
products, transporting hormones, and maintaining homeostasis.
28.4 Transport System in Plants
Plants have two main transport tissues: xylem and phloem, responsible for the movement
of water, minerals, and food materials respectively.
Structure and Functions of Xylem and Phloem
Xylem: Transports water and minerals from roots to leaves through vessels and tracheids.
Phloem: Transports food (mainly sucrose) from leaves to other parts of the plant through
sieve tubes and companion cells.
Mechanisms of Transport in Plants
Transpiration: The loss of water vapor from plant leaves through stomata.
Translocation: The movement of food materials in the phloem.
Root Pressure: The upward push of water in xylem due to osmotic pressure.
Cohesion-Tension Theory: Explains water movement due to cohesion of water
molecules and tension created by transpiration.
28.5 Transport System in Animals
Animals have complex transport systems involving the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
The circulatory system ensures distribution of nutrients, oxygen, and removal of wastes.
Course Code: BIO 101
Course Name: General Biology
© Lesuyai Organic Guides 2025
(Original | Educational | Professional | Plagiarism-Free | A4 Format)
28.1 Introduction
The survival of living organisms depends on the efficient transport of materials within their
bodies. Transport systems ensure that water, nutrients, gases, and waste products are
effectively moved to where they are needed.
28.2 Definition of Transport Systems
A transport system refers to the structures and mechanisms that facilitate the movement of
substances such as nutrients, gases, and waste within an organism.
28.3 Importance of Transport in Living Organisms
Transport systems are essential for supplying cells with nutrients, removing waste
products, transporting hormones, and maintaining homeostasis.
28.4 Transport System in Plants
Plants have two main transport tissues: xylem and phloem, responsible for the movement
of water, minerals, and food materials respectively.
Structure and Functions of Xylem and Phloem
Xylem: Transports water and minerals from roots to leaves through vessels and tracheids.
Phloem: Transports food (mainly sucrose) from leaves to other parts of the plant through
sieve tubes and companion cells.
Mechanisms of Transport in Plants
Transpiration: The loss of water vapor from plant leaves through stomata.
Translocation: The movement of food materials in the phloem.
Root Pressure: The upward push of water in xylem due to osmotic pressure.
Cohesion-Tension Theory: Explains water movement due to cohesion of water
molecules and tension created by transpiration.
28.5 Transport System in Animals
Animals have complex transport systems involving the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
The circulatory system ensures distribution of nutrients, oxygen, and removal of wastes.
