Absorption of Water and Minerals by Roots and Transport to Leaves
Water and minerals are absorbed by roots through a process called root uptake, and they are transported to the leaves through the xylem tissue in plants. Below are the detailed steps of how this process occurs:

Root Uptake:
- Water and minerals are absorbed by root hairs present on the root surface.
- The root hairs increase the surface area for absorption and create a concentration gradient for water and minerals to move into the root cells.
- The process of absorption is facilitated by active transport, where energy is used to move ions against the concentration gradient.

Transport through Xylem:
- Once water and minerals are absorbed by the root hairs, they move into the root cells and then into the xylem vessels.
- The xylem vessels are responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the leaves.
- The movement of water and minerals in the xylem is driven by transpiration, where water evaporates from the leaves, creating a negative pressure that pulls water up from the roots.

Reaching the Leaves:
- As water and minerals are transported through the xylem vessels, they reach the leaves where they are used for photosynthesis and other metabolic processes.
- Water is essential for maintaining turgidity in plant cells and transporting nutrients throughout the plant.
- Minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are necessary for plant growth and development.
In conclusion, the absorption of water and minerals by roots and their transport to the leaves is a crucial process in plant physiology, ensuring the proper growth and functioning of the plant.