Describe how water, ions and sugar are obtained and transported through plants.

Water
Water is obtained from the soil into the roots of the plant. This occurs via osmosis, which is the movement of high water potential to low water potential [alternatively, from an area of low to high concentration]. The water is transported to the leaves via the xylem. This occurs by the transpiration stream, which is the process of evaporation of water from the leaves to allow the movement of water to replace it.
Ions
Ions are obtained from the soil into the roots. This occurs by diffusion (movement from an area of high to low concentration), or active transport (from an area of low to high concentration). Ions are transported to the leaves in the water via the xylem.
Sugar
Sugar is made in the leaves by photosynthesis. Sugar moves in the phloem either upwards or downwards to where it is needed: either to storage organs or towards leaves to use for energy.