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Activity 5.8 — Xylem Water Transport

NCERT Activity 5.8: Place a plant stem in coloured water — the veins turn red, showing xylem transports water upward. Cross-section confirms only xylem is stained.

How To Perform

1

Place Stem in Coloured Water

Cut stem under water, place in red dye solution.

2

Observe Stem

Red streaks appear running upward through the stem.

3

Observe Leaves

Leaf veins turn red — coloured water reached the leaves.

4

Cross-Section

Only xylem vessels are red; phloem remains unstained.

⚠️ Safety Notes

  • Use a sharp blade carefully when cutting the stem under water.
  • Handle red ink/dye carefully — it can stain skin and clothing.
  • Adult supervision recommended for stem cutting.