Plant sap
Plant Sap
Plant sap, or simply sap (/sæp/), is a fluid transported in xylem cells or phloem sieve tube elements of a plant. The etymology of the word "sap" comes from the Old English word "sæp", which means "juice".
Definition
Plant sap is the fluid—partially consisting of water, mineral nutrients, sugars and other substances—that circulates through a plant's vascular system. It plays a crucial role in transporting nutrients and water throughout the plant.
Types of Sap
There are two types of sap in plants: xylem sap and phloem sap.
- Xylem sap (/ˈzaɪləm sæp/) is a type of sap that transports water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the other parts of the plant.
- Phloem sap (/ˈfloʊ.əm sæp/) is another type of sap that transports sugars, hormones, and other substances from the leaves to the other parts of the plant.
Role in Plant Physiology
Plant sap plays a vital role in plant physiology. It helps in the transportation of water, nutrients, and sugars, which are essential for the growth and development of a plant. It also aids in the process of photosynthesis, a process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
Related Terms
- Transpiration: The process by which water is carried through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released to the atmosphere.
- Stomata: Tiny openings or pores in plant tissue that allow for gas exchange.
- Chlorophyll: A green pigment, present in all green plants and in cyanobacteria, responsible for the absorption of light to provide energy for photosynthesis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Plant sap
- Wikipedia's article - Plant sap
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