Long-distance transport of water , minerals , and food is generally carried out by

Options

A. diffusion only
B. active transport only
C. mass flow system
D. cytoplasmic streaming supplemented by active transport

Answer

To solve the question regarding the long-distance transport of water, minerals, and food in plants, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Types of Transport in Plants**:
- In plants, the transport of substances occurs primarily through vascular tissues, which consist of xylem and phloem.

2. **Understand the Role of Xylem**:
- Xylem is responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to other parts of the plant. This transport is essential for the plant's hydration and nutrient supply.

3. **Understand the Role of Phloem**:
- Phloem is responsible for transporting food (mainly sugars produced during photosynthesis) from the leaves to other parts of the plant where it is needed or stored.

4. **Evaluate the Given Options**:
- **Diffusion**: This process involves the movement of substances from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. However, diffusion is not sufficient for long-distance transport in plants.
- **Active Transport**: This process requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient. While important for certain cellular processes, it does not provide enough energy for long-distance transport on its own.
- **Mass Flow System (Bulk Flow)**: This system allows for the movement of substances in bulk due to pressure differences between two points. This is the primary mechanism for long-distance transport of water, minerals, and food in plants.
- **Cytoplasmic Streaming with Active Transport**: While cytoplasmic streaming can help in the movement of substances within cells, it is not sufficient for long-distance transport when combined with active transport.

5. **Select the Correct Answer**:
- Based on the evaluation, the correct answer for the long-distance transport of water, minerals, and food in plants is the **Mass Flow System (Bulk Flow)**.

### Final Answer:
The long-distance transport of water, minerals, and food in plants is generally carried out by the **Mass Flow System**.

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