ý

Structure of plants – WJECVascular bundles

Plants adapt in order to efficiently collect raw materials required for photosynthesis. These raw materials must be transported through the plant and various factors can affect the rate of movement.

Part of Biology (Single Science)Cells, organ systems and ecosystems

Vascular bundles

and tissues are found in groups called . The position of these bundles varies in different parts of the plant. In a leaf, the phloem is usually found closer to the lower surface.

Root

Xylem vessels are tough and strong, so the vascular bundles are in the centre of the root to resist forces that could pull the plant out of the ground.

Stem

The stem has to resist compression (squashing) and bending forces caused by the plant’s weight and the wind. The vascular bundles are arranged near the edge of the stem, with the phloem on the outside and the xylem on the inside.

Cross section of a plant stem showing the Vascular bundles. Labelled are the Xylem and Phloem.
Figure caption,
Vascular bundles in the stem