ThinkRankTransportation in Animals and Plants
Living organisms must move water, nutrients, gases, hormones, and wastes to the places where they are needed. The human circulatory system uses the heart, blood, and blood vessels, while plants use xylem and phloem to transport materials through their bodies.
Learning Objectives
- •Identify major parts of the human circulatory system
- •Explain the roles of blood components and vessels
- •Describe transport of water and minerals in plants
- •Relate transpiration to movement of water
Key Concepts
Blood has several jobs
Plasma transports dissolved materials, red cells carry oxygen, white cells help defend the body, and platelets support clotting.
Vessel structure suits function
Arteries, veins, and capillaries differ in walls and roles as blood moves away from or toward the heart.
Plants use specialised tissues
Xylem carries water and minerals mainly upward, while phloem distributes prepared food to growing and storage regions.
Terminology
Historical Insight
Pulse
The pulse reflects the rhythmic pumping of the heart and can be compared before and after safe activity.
Transpiration
Water loss from leaves can help pull water upward through xylem, while stomata regulate gas exchange and loss.
Quick Check
Why are capillaries thin?
What is the role of xylem?
How can exercise change pulse rate?
How to use this lesson
Read the overview first, then explain the main idea in your own words before checking the key concepts. Use the quick-check questions without looking at the answer. For examination preparation, verify dates, definitions, and syllabus requirements against your official textbook and school or examination-board guidance.