Alain Pannetierin Biology Stack Exchange • Recommends
On “Is the xylem like a tissue paper?”
I'm in year 5 too; and (with a bit of help of my dad) I have some bits of answers (my challenge of the day).
A paper tissue is principally made of cellulose. And cellulose is a polar molecule. And so is water. So, the paper will easily absorb water.
See these short clips 1 for water polarity and here for cellulose 2.
In plants, xylem vessels are also made of cellulose and that helps the small molecules of water to stick to the vessels walls.
Think of it as a lot of tiny drinking straws made of wood.
There are at least two reasons why water manages to 'climb up' from the roots to the leaves through the xylem.
During the day, when the sunlight is available, water will be cons…