‹ Biology simulationsBiology · AS Level 9700 · 7 Transport in plantsSeven 3D simulations covering Topic 7.1 Structure of transport tissues and 7.2 Transport mechanisms. Explore sections and cells, follow water across the root and up the xylem, and watch sucrose loaded into the phloem and carried by mass flow.
Transverse sections of a herbaceous dicotyledonous root, stem and leaf, shown as 3D plan diagrams. Click the tissues and compare where the vascular tissue lies.
The structure of each cell type is related to its function. Click the features of these cut-away cells.
Water crosses the root cortex through cell walls (apoplast) or through cytoplasm and plasmodesmata (symplast). At the endodermis the Casparian strip blocks the apoplast.
Water evaporates from the surfaces of mesophyll cell walls into the air spaces, then water vapour diffuses out through the stomata. Change the conditions outside the leaf.
Water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds (cohesion) and to the cellulose of the walls (adhesion). Transpiration pulls the column up under tension. Then break the column.
Xerophytes have leaves adapted to reduce water loss by transpiration. Compare a marram grass leaf with an ordinary leaf and click the adaptations.
Companion cells load sucrose into sieve tubes using proton pumps and cotransporters. Water follows by osmosis, building a hydrostatic pressure that drives mass flow from source to sink.
Seven interactive 3D simulations for Cambridge AS Level Biology 9700 topic 7 Transport in plants: transverse sections of a dicotyledonous root, stem and leaf showing xylem and phloem, xylem vessel elements, sieve tube elements and companion cells, the apoplast and symplast pathways with the Casparian strip, transpiration and the factors affecting it, cohesion-tension and adhesion in the xylem, xerophytic marram grass leaves, and phloem loading by proton pumps and cotransporters with mass flow from source to sink.
Seven 3D simulations covering Topic 7.1 Structure of transport tissues and 7.2 Transport mechanisms. Explore sections and cells, follow water across the root and up the xylem, and watch sucrose loaded into the phloem and carried by mass flow.
Transport in plants is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology 9700 (topic 7 Transport in plants). The course is assessed in Paper 1 (Multiple choice), Paper 2 (AS structured), Paper 3 (Advanced practical), Paper 4 (A Level structured), Paper 5 (Planning, analysis, evaluation). Syllabus for examination in 2025-2027. There are 7 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.
Full syllabus map: AS Level Biology 9700 topic 7.
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