VST - Water's Journey Through Plants

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An Interactive Exploration

Water's Journey Through Plants

Plants need water to make their food, grow, stay strong and upright, and stay cool.

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How does water travel into and through a plant?

Let's explore how plants get the water they need to live and grow.

Select the cloud to make it rain.

Now that it has rained, the soil is well-watered.

Select the part of the plant that absorbs water from the environment.

Most plant roots have root hairs that help soak up water by increasing the surface area of the roots.

Root Hair

Select one of the root hairs in the diagram above.

That's right! The plant's roots reach downward and absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

Select the plant roots to see a larger view.

Xylem

Select the root's xylem in the diagram above.

The xylem in roots are tube-like structures that pull up water and nutrients from the soil to the stem and leaves of the plant.

Select one of the stem's xylem in the diagram.

Xylem

After water moves through the roots, it flows up through the xylem in the stem to reach the leaves, flowers, and fruit of the plant.

Xylem

As water travels to all parts of the plant, it helps keep the plant firm and upright. Without enough water, the plant wilts, causing its leaves and stems to become limp and droop.

Select the watering can to give this plant some water.

Select the plant that is now taller and stronger because it has plenty of water.

In addition to keeping the plant strong and upright, water is used for various processes throughout the plant, including photosynthesis, where it helps the plant produce its own food.

Select any of the plant's leaves, where photosynthesis most commonly occurs.

After water travels through the roots, stem, and all parts of the plant for processes like photosynthesis and keeping the plant strong, any extra water exits through the leaves in a process called transpiration, which helps cool the plant.

Select a part of the plant where transpiration occurs most.

In the graphic above, select the stoma, the structure where water exits the plant.

Note: The stomata also release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.

Yes! Transpiration mainly happens on the underside of leaves, where water vapor exits through tiny openings called stomata (singular: stoma).

Leaf under a microscope

Now select a stoma in the image of a plant leaf under a microscope.

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Great job learning how water moves through plants and helps them grow and stay healthy!

Plant Cells Under a Microscope

Now select a chloroplast shown in the image of plant cells under a microscope.

Plant Cell

Inside each leaf cell, chloroplasts use water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight to make glucose, the plant's food.

Select a chloroplast in the plant cell diagram.

Select a part of the plant where photosynthesis occurs most.

Xylem transports water to all parts of the plant, including the leaves, where some of the water is used for photosynthesis.