Circulatory systems of animals transport nutrients to tissues. Which system of plants performs a similar function?
starch granules
xylem and phloem tubes
stomata
apical meristems
plant hormone system
The system in plants that performs a similar function to the circulatory system in animals is the xylem and phloem tubes. These tubes are responsible for transporting water, nutrients, and sugars to different parts of the plant.
To understand why the xylem and phloem tubes perform a similar function, let's break down how they work:
1. Xylem: Xylem is a complex tissue made up of several types of cells, including vessel elements and tracheids. These cells are responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. The movement of water through the xylem is driven by transpiration, which is the evaporation of water from the leaves.
2. Phloem: Phloem is another complex tissue in plants that transports nutrients, such as sugars and amino acids, from the leaves (where they are produced through photosynthesis) to other parts of the plant, including the roots, stems, and fruits. Unlike the xylem, which moves water upwards, the phloem can transport nutrients both upwards and downwards in the plant.
The combination of these two tissues, the xylem and phloem, is what forms the vascular system in plants. It's similar to the circulatory system in animals because it allows for the transport of essential substances to various parts of the plant's body.
To recap, the correct answer is "xylem and phloem tubes."