Why are leaves able to get water in and sugar out
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "functions of leaves" to get these possible sources:
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=functions+of+leaves&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
http://www.hackcollege.com/blog/2011/11/23/infographic-get-more-out-of-google.html
Don't just copy the material. Express the ideas in your own words. Although this will take more time and effort, you will learn more.
Leaves are able to get water in and sugar out through a structure called the stomata. Stomata are tiny pores found on the surface of leaves, typically on the undersides. These pores are surrounded by two specialized cells, guard cells, which are responsible for controlling their opening and closing.
To understand how leaves get water in and sugar out, let's break down the process into three steps:
1. Water absorption:
Leaves have a network of water-carrying tissues called xylem. Xylem vessels run from the roots through the stem and into the leaf veins. Water is transported through these vessels to the leaf cells. As water evaporates from the surface of the leaf through a process called transpiration, it creates a "pull" or negative pressure that helps draw water up from the roots. This continuous flow of water through the xylem system ensures that leaves receive an adequate supply of water.
2. Gas exchange:
During photosynthesis, leaves take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. To facilitate this gas exchange, the stomata open, allowing carbon dioxide to enter the leaf cells. This is crucial for the photosynthetic process that occurs in the chloroplasts of the leaf cells.
3. Sugar transport:
During photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. Glucose produced in the leaf cells is then converted into sucrose, a more easily transportable form of sugar. The sucrose is transported from the leaf cells through tubes called phloem, which run through the veins in leaves to other parts of the plant. This allows the plant to distribute sugars to different organs, such as fruits, flowers, and roots, where they are stored or utilized for energy.
In summary, leaves get water in through the xylem system, facilitated by transpiration, and exchange gases (including taking in carbon dioxide) through the stomata. Sugars produced during photosynthesis are transported out of the leaves through the phloem to support growth and energy needs of the plant.