# Explain how water moves from the soil into the xylem of a plant root, and describe the role of xylem tissue in transporting water through the plant.

> Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) — 2.4 Plant structure and function · Explain · 5 marks

> Plants absorb water from the soil and transport it to their leaves. This process involves several specialised tissues working together.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Water enters root hair cells by osmosis
2. Water moves from cell to cell across the root cortex because there is a water potential gradient (towards the xylem)
3. Xylem vessels are hollow/dead cells with no end walls, forming a continuous tube
4. Xylem transports water (and mineral ions) up the plant from roots to leaves
5. Water evaporates from the leaves (transpiration) which pulls more water up through the xylem

## Key terms

- [xylem](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/xylem)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-water-moves-from-the-eb79708d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.