OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Which part of the plant is responsible for transporting water and nutrients?

1. Roots

2. Stem

3. Leaves

4. Flowers

The correct answer is: Stem

The stem of the plant plays a crucial role in transporting water and nutrients. It contains specialized tissues known as xylem and phloem. The xylem is responsible for carrying water and dissolved minerals absorbed from the soil through the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plant. On the other hand, the phloem transports the products of photosynthesis, primarily sugars, from the leaves to the rest of the plant. While the roots do absorb water and nutrients from the soil, their primary function is not transportation but rather anchorage and absorption. Leaves are primarily involved in photosynthesis and gas exchange, producing food but not directly transporting it. Flowers are reproductive structures that attract pollinators and facilitate reproduction, but they do not play a role in the transportation of water and nutrients. Thus, the stem is the component that connects the different parts of the plant, ensuring that water, nutrients, and food are effectively moved throughout the organism.