Transpiration

Transpiration is the process by which moisture is carried through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released to the atmosphere. Transpiration is essentially evaporation of water from plant leaves.

Factors Affecting Transpiration

1. Temperature: Higher temperatures result in increased transpiration rates as water evaporates more quickly.
2. Humidity: Lower humidity levels outside the plant lead to increased transpiration rates as the concentration gradient between the leaf and the surrounding air increases.
3. Wind: Wind can carry away water vapor from the leaves, resulting in increased transpiration rates.
4. Light: Intense light can cause stomata to open wider, increasing transpiration rates.
5. Soil Water Availability: If the soil is dry, plants close their stomata to conserve water, reducing transpiration rates.

Importance of Transpiration

Transpiration serves several important functions in plants:

• It helps to transport water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant.
• It cools the plant, much like sweating cools our bodies, helping to prevent overheating.
• It maintains turgor pressure in plant cells, which is necessary for plant support and growth.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember when studying transpiration:

• Define transpiration and explain the process.
• List and describe the factors that affect transpiration rates.
• Explain the importance of transpiration in plants.
• Be able to compare and contrast transpiration with other processes, such as evaporation and condensation.
• Understand the role of stomata in transpiration.

Remember to review diagrams and illustrations that depict the process of transpiration in plants, as visual aids can help reinforce your understanding.

Good luck with your studies!