General Adaptations for Transport

Single-Celled Organisms: These organisms do not need a specialised transport system as all cell contents are directly in contact with the environment for exchange of substances.
Multicellular Organisms: Larger, multicellular organisms require specialised transport systems to overcome limitations of diffusion over larger distances. Their cells are not in direct contact with the environment.
Substance Transport: Substances transported include oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Plant Transport Adaptations

Xylem Vessels: Composed of dead cells, xylem vessels transport water and mineral ions from roots to the rest of the plant. They are long tubes which strengthen the plant, using passive transport.
Phloem Tissue: This tissue transports organic substances, especially sugars, from the leaves where they are synthesised, to other parts of the plant. This is known as translocation and it occurs by active transport.
Root Hair Cells: Have large surface area to increase water absorption from the soil.

Circulatory System: In mammals, a complex double circulatory system is present involving the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
Heart: The heart functions as a pump to maintain blood pressure, ensuring efficient transport of substances around the body.
Blood Vessels: Different types of blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries) facilitate effective transport to and from different parts of the body.
Blood: Blood is made up of cells (red and white blood cells) acting as the medium for transport.
Red Blood Cells: Biconcave shape increases the surface area for oxygen absorption. The oxygen-carrying molecule, haemoglobin, binds and transports oxygen to cells.
White Blood Cells: These play a vital role in the immune response protecting the body from infection.
Platelets: Help in the clotting process preventing excess blood loss.

Open Circulatory System: Insects possess an open circulatory system where the blood (haemolymph) is not enclosed in blood vessels.
Dorsal Vessel: This pumps the haemolymph around the body, ensuring nutrient and waste product transport.