TRANSPORT AND CIRCULATION

At the end of the lesson, you are able to:

• describe the transport of substances in xylem and phloem;
• explain the functions of structures in animal circulation; and
• trace the path of blood in the systemic and the pulmonary circulation

Plant Transport
Recall the functions of xylem and phloem from BIO 1. Plant transport involves: (A) absorption
of water through the roots and (B) up and down movement of substances in phloem.

A. Absorption of water plus macronutrients and micronutrients through the root system is
possible by diffusion. Root hairs increase the surface area for transport. Water molecules pass
through the epidermis, cortex, endodermis and pericycle; then they move upwards by means of
xylem vessels.

B. Phloem cells transport substances such as products of photosynthesis, water and other
compounds up and down the plant body. Phloem tissues are adjacent to companion cells that
give them support and nourishment. There are two major hypotheses on how substances can
move up and down the plant body. These are (i) Ascent of xylem sap and (ii) Pressure flow or
bulk flow.

i. Ascent of xylem sap is explained as a “push” from below by the water molecules
gushing upwards through xylem vessels. It can also be described as “pull” from above by
a combination of transpiration) and cohesion of water molecules through hydrogen
bonds.

ii. Pressure flow or bulk flow maintains that in the plant there is a source cell and a sink
cell. A “source” cell is where photosynthesis occurs and a “sink” cell is where the
nutrients are needed. Leaf cells are definitely source cells. Sucrose and other substances
accumulate in the source and due to high concentration, they flow down (or up) where
they are needed. Sink cells are growing parts of the plants- buds, flowers, fruits, root tips.
In this way, phloem tissues carry materials down and up. Xylem lies adjacent to phloem
tissues and water may easily diffuse from xylem to phloem. Materials are transported up
and down the plant body by a combination of the actions of phloem and xylem cells.

Animal Circulation

1. Read on the “evolution” of the heart in vertebrates. Fish have one atrium and one ventricle.
Amphibians have two atria and one common ventricle where oxygenated and deoxygenated
blood mix. In mammals and birds there is a complete separation of the four chambers of the heart
by a tissue, called the septum.

2. Trace the path of blood in Systemic and Pulmonary Circulation. Mention the major arteries,
veins and heart chambers where blood flows through. Show the class the major valves between
the heart chambers.
Enrichment

Watch a video on animal circulation. Use the following guide questions:

I. How do animals transport materials inside their bodies?

II. What structures are necessary in animal transport?
III. State the function of the following components of animal transport: heart, blood and blood
vessels.