Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

What is the role of the xylem in a plant?

1. Transporting sugars to the leaves

2. Conducting photosynthesis

3. Transporting water and minerals from roots

4. Storing energy for the plant

The correct answer is: Transporting water and minerals from roots

The xylem plays a crucial role in the plant's vascular system, primarily tasked with the transport of water and dissolved minerals absorbed from the soil through the roots to the rest of the plant, including the stems and leaves. This process is essential for various physiological functions, including photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and maintaining turgor pressure within the plant cells, which helps to keep the plant upright and stable. The significance of the xylem extends beyond mere water transport; it also assists in the distribution of minerals that are vital for growth and development. As plants release water vapor from their leaves (a process called transpiration), it creates a negative pressure that helps pull water upward through the xylem vessels, making the xylem instrumental in the plant's overall health and functioning. The other options highlight functions primarily associated with other parts or processes in the plant. For instance, the transport of sugars to the leaves is carried out by the phloem, and conducting photosynthesis mainly occurs in the chloroplasts of the leaves, not in the xylem. Energy storage is typically handled by modified tissues such as starch in roots and leaves. Therefore, the answer regarding the xylem's role in transporting water and minerals aligns accurately with