Question

Explain how xylem and phloem contribute to the strength of wood.

Answer 1

I found this site that explains it, but I need it dumbed down for me. I'm having a hard time trying to understand exactly what it's saying. Here's the site: http://faculty.unlv.edu/landau/wood.htm

Answer 2

Xylem and phloem make up the big transportation system of vascular plants. As you get bigger, it is more difficult to transport nutrients, water, and sugars around your body. You have a circulatory system if you want to keep growing. As plants evolved to be larger, they also developed their own kind of circulatory systems. The main parts you will hear a lot about are called xylem and phloem.

It all starts with a top and a bottom. Logically, it makes sense. Trees and other vascular plants have a top and a bottom. The top has a trunk, branches, leaves, or needles. The bottom is a system of roots. Each needs the other to survive. The roots hold the plant steady and grab moisture and nutrients from the soil. The top is in the light, conducting photosynthesis and helping the plant reproduce. You have to connect the two parts. That's where xylem and phloem come in.

The fun never stops in the plant's circulatory system. Most plants have green leaves, where the photosynthesis happens. When those sugars are made, they need to be given to every cell in the plant for energy. Enter phloem. The phloem cells are laid out end-to-end throughout the entire plant, transporting the sugars and other molecules created by the plant. Phloem is always alive. Xylem tissue dies after one year and then develops anew (rings in the tree trunk). What is the best way to think about phloem? Think about sap coming out of a tree. That dripping sap usually comes from the phloem.


SOURCE: http://www.biology4kids.com/files/plants_xylemphloem.html

Answer 3

*Waits for teacher( @thomaster )*

Answer 4

@Kitt020912 did abb0t answer your question? or do you need more explanation?

Answer 5

Still need help, because I still didn't really see how what abb0t said answered the question: "how xylem and phloem contribute to the strength of wood." Very nice information you found though, abb0t.

Answer 6

Hey kitt,
I found these definitions I think might help:

"Xylem takes water ( + minerals) from the roots to leaves (so photosynthesis can take place)
Phloem transports the sugars made (plus other things) mainly from the leaves (the products of photosynthesis mainly) to parts of the plant where its needed or to storage areas eg roots in eg pototoes."

Credit: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070905213301AAFBlpa

Hope I helped(:

Answer 7

I just re-read your question...sorry missed "in wood" lol I'll go try and find something else...(:

Answer 8

I think might help: http://www2.mcdaniel.edu/Biology/botf99/imagesfor%20questions/stemrtimagesf/woodytissue.html
Hope I helped(:

Answer 9

I read the link as mcdonalds lol, let me look at it. c:

Answer 10

haha(:

Answer 11

Helpful, but I still need it dumbed down. .-.

Answer 12

@abb0t You're an artist

Answer 13

Sorry -.-
lol, that face is amazing...