Transport in Plants: Class 11 Biology Q&A
19 free answers on Transport in Plants (Biology) for Class 11 students, across CBSE, ICSE and State boards. Includes questions such as “what is fick's law?”, “What is imbibition in biology?”, “what are the constituents of phloem?”
Question & Answer
Questions
- BiologyClass 11All
what is fick's law?
Fick's law is a mathematical equation that describes the diffusion of solutes (particles or molecules) through a stationary medium, such as a gas or a liquid. It was first formulated by Adolf Fick, a German physiologist, in the 19th century. Fick's law is fundamental in understanding how substances move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration. The one-dimensional form of Fick's law is often written as: �=−�����J=−D&d
- BiologyClass 11All
What is imbibition in biology?
Imbibition is nothing but a type of diffusion in which the liquid get absorbed to the solids. The phenomenon of imbibition play role in various processes including germination.Imbibition causes increase in the volume of the solid due to absorption of water by solids. This increase in volume is many a times used to pave the way to spread the roots within the hard rock surface and enable the plant to have more hold over the soil surface.Just like diffusion the the phenomenon of of imbibition al
- BiologyClass 11All
what are the constituents of phloem?
Phloem is a complex tissue in vascular plants that plays a crucial role in the transport of organic compounds, particularly sugars, from the photosynthetic organs (such as leaves) to other parts of the plant, including non-photosynthetic tissues and storage organs. The main constituents of phloem include the following: Sieve Tubes: Sieve tubes are the primary cells responsible for transporting sugars and other organic compounds in the phloem. These elongated ce
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What is isotonic solution?
An isotonic solution is a solution that has the same osmotic pressure as another solution with which it is compared. In the context of biological systems, particularly cells, an isotonic solution refers to a solution that has the same concentration of solutes (particles) as the solution inside a cell. This ensures that there is no net movement of water across the cell membrane, and the cell maintains its shape and size. Key points about isotonic solutions: Equal
- BiologyClass 11All
What is translocation?
In biology, translocation refers to the movement of materials or substances from one location to another within an organism. This term is used in various contexts across different biological disciplines. Chromosomal Translocation (Genetics): In genetics, chromosomal translocation refers to the rearrangement of genetic material between non-homologous chromosomes. This can lead to the exchange of chromosomal segments between two chromosomes. Translocations can be
- BiologyClass 11All
What are the conducting tissues of plants and what are their functions?
Plants have two primary conducting tissues: xylem and phloem. Xylem is responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots upward to all parts of the plant. It consists of specialized cells including tracheids and vessel elements that form hollow tubes for efficient water conduction. Phloem, on the other hand, transports sugars and organic nutrients produced during photosynthesis from leaves to other plant parts. This bidirectional transp
- BiologyClass 11All
What will be the water potential of solution B, if its solute potential Ψs at atmospheric pressure is –200 Pa?
At atmospheric pressure, the pressure potential (Ψ<sub>p</sub>) = 0 Using the formula: Ψ<sub>w</sub> = Ψ<sub>s</sub> + Ψ<sub>p</sub> Ψ<sub>w</sub> = (–200 Pa) + 0 = –200 Pa Therefore, the water potential of solution B = –200 Pa Key Principle: At atmospheric
- BiologyClass 11All
Give any two characteristic features of transport through special proteins in facilitated diffusion.
Facilitated diffusion uses membrane carrier proteins (transporters) or channel proteins to move substances across membranes along their concentration gradient. Two key characteristics: Feature Explanation 1. Specificity E
- BiologyClass 11All
Name the two factors on which water potential depends? Also give its relationship with them.
Water potential (Ψ<sub>w</sub>) depends on two components: Factor Symbol Nature Effect on Ψ<sub>w</sub> Solute Potential (Osmotic Potential) <td
- BiologyClass 11All
What is turgor pressure? Give its one significance to plants.
Turgor pressure (Ψ<sub>p</sub>) is the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the cell contents (protoplast) against the rigid cell wall when water enters the cell through osmosis. Mechanism: Cell placed in hypotonic solution Water enters by osmosis Vacuole swells, protoplast pushes against cell wall Cell wall resists, creating wall pressure (equal
- BiologyClass 11All
What are the two conditions for imbibition to occur?
Imbibition is the passive absorption of water by hydrophilic colloids, causing them to swell. Two essential conditions are: Condition Explanation 1. Water Potential Gradient There must exist a water potential gradient between the
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Which means of transport occurs when sugar is loaded in phloem at the source?
Active transport is the mechanism by which sugars (primarily sucrose) are loaded into phloem sieve tube elements at the source. This process: Requires metabolic energy (ATP) Moves sugars against their concentration gradient Involves proton pumps and sucrose-H⁺ cotransporters in companion cells Evidence: Metab
- BiologyClass 11All
State the direction of movement of food in the phloem.
The direction of food movement in phloem is bidirectional, meaning it can move: Upwards (from roots to shoots during early spring when stored food is mobilized) Downwards (from leaves to roots, stems, fruits during active photosynthesis) Key Concept: Movement is from source (site of synthesis or storage) to sink (site of utilization or
- BiologyClass 11All
What happens to the water potential of a solution when more solute is added to it?
When more solute is added to a solution, its water potential decreases (becomes more negative). This occurs because: Solute particles reduce the free energy of water molecules The solute potential (Ψ<sub>s</sub>) becomes more negative Since Ψ<sub>w</sub> = Ψ<sub>s</sub> + Ψ<sub>p</sub>, a decrease in Ψ<sub>s</sub> decreases Ψ
- BiologyClass 11All
Give net direction of water movement in a plant cell in flaccid state.
In a flaccid cell, there is no net movement of water. The cell is in equilibrium with its surroundings, meaning: Water potential inside the cell (Ψ<sub>w</sub>) = Water potential outside the cell Ψ<sub>w</sub> = 0 Endosmosis (water entering) = Exosmosis (water leaving) Condition: Flaccid cells are neither turgid nor plasmolyzed
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Give an example of region in plants where negative pressure potential is found.
Xylem vessels exhibit negative pressure potential (also called tension) during transpiration. This negative pressure, generated by water loss from leaves, creates a transpiration pull that draws water upward from roots through the xylem. Numerical Context: During active transpiration, xylem pressure can reach values as low as -2 MPa or lower.
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Define antiport.
In facilitated diffusion, when two different molecules or ions move across a membrane in opposite directions simultaneously through a transport protein, the mechanism is called antiport. Example: The Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter exchanges sodium ions for hydrogen ions across the plasma membrane. Transport Type </
- BiologyClass 11All
What is mycorrhiza?
A mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a fungus and the root system of a higher plant. This mutualistic relationship benefits both organisms: the fungus receives organic nutrients (sugars) from the plant, while the plant gains enhanced absorption of water and minerals (especially phosphorus) through the extensive fungal hyphae network. Mycorrhizae are classified into ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae</stron
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How does cell to cell movement of water take place in plants?
Water moves from cell to cell in plants primarily through osmosis, facilitated by three interconnected pathways: the apoplast, symplast, and transmembrane routes. In the symplastic pathway, water travels through the cytoplasm of cells via plasmodesmata—tiny cytoplasmic channels that connect adjacent plant cells, creating a continuous network of living protoplasm. The apoplastic pathway involves water movement through cell walls and intercellular spaces without crossing any membranes, wh