[Campbell Biology P.833] Which of the following statements correctly differentiates between ... | Practice Question
Which of the following statements correctly differentiates between the transport of water/minerals and sugars in most vascular plants?
A: Water and minerals are transported via xylem using positive pressure, while sugars are transported via phloem using negative pressure.
B: Water and minerals are transported unidirectionally from roots to leaves, while sugars can be transported bidirectionally between sources and sinks.
C: Both water/minerals and sugars are primarily transported using negative pressure, but through different vascular tissues.
D: Water and minerals are primarily moved by active transport, whereas sugar transport relies solely on passive diffusion.
Explanation
The text states that water and minerals are pulled up from the roots by negative pressure generated by evaporation from the leaves, implying unidirectional upward movement via xylem. It also says that sugars are pushed by positive pressure and can move both ways between leaves and roots, confirming bidirectional transport via phloem.