
The water enters the xylem tubes by osmosis, and then travels up to the leaves. The osmosis process is driven by the plant’s need for water. The water and minerals are transported up the xylem tubes by a process called osmosis. The xylem is made up of tiny tubes that run throughout the plant. The water and minerals are transported in the plant through a system of tubes called xylem. So plants have developed special mechanisms to take up water and minerals from the soil and to transport them to all the different parts of the plant. Plants need water and minerals to grow, and they need to get these from the soil. It is found in food and drink in the form of water and moisture. Water is necessary for the body to function. They are found in food in the form of electrolytes and trace minerals. Minerals are needed for the body to build bones, teeth, and muscle, and to regulate metabolism. They are found in food in the form of water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins are needed for the body to use carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. They are found in food in the form of fatty acids and cholesterol. Lipids are necessary for the body to build cell membranes, create hormones, and store energy. They are found in food in the form of amino acids. Proteins are essential for the body to build and repair tissues. They are found in food in the form of sugars, starches, and fiber. There are six classes of nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids (fats and oils), vitamins, minerals, and water.Ĭarbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. The body can produce some of these nutrients, but others must come from food. Humans need certain nutrients to survive.

They are also necessary for the proper function of the nervous and immune systems. Vitamins are necessary for the growth and development of animals. Minerals are necessary for the growth and development of animals. They also play a role in the immune system and the transport of nutrients. Proteins are necessary for the growth and repair of tissues. They are also the main energy source for the brain and play a role in the transport of some nutrients. Lipids are necessary for the growth and development of animals. They are the main energy source for most animals and are necessary for the proper function of the nervous and immune systems. It is necessary for metabolism, transport of nutrients and waste products, and many other biochemical processes.Ĭarbohydrates are the second-most important nutrient for animals. Water is the most important nutrient for all animals. There are six main nutrients that are essential for animal life: water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Plants also produce a variety of other organic molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They use the glucose to produce energy and to build other molecules needed for growth.

Plants store glucose in their cells as starch. The process of photosynthesis uses sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. Plants are autotrophs, which means they can create their own food from simple inorganic molecules.
