Describe how ions , water and sugar are obtained and transported through plants

This style of question is common and is often worth around 6 marks. You should address each of ions , water and sugar seperately to ensure that you get maximum marks.

Ions enter the plant via diffusion or active transport. Diffusion is the movement of ions from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration, whereas active transport is the movement of ions from an area of high concentration to low-this requires energy. Ions travel up th xylem to reach the leaves.

Water is transported in a similar way, it enters the plant via osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Water moves through the xylem in a stream called a transpiration stream, up to the leaves of the plant.

Sugar is made during the process of photosynthesis.

carbon dioxide + water (+ light energy)    →    glucose + oxygen

Unlike water and ions, it travels through the plant via the phloem, moving up and down through the plant.