Transpiration Flashcards
What is transpiration?
The loss of water vapor from plants, primarily through the stomata of leaves.
What is the transpiration stream?
The continuous movement of water from the roots to the leaves through the xylem, driven by evaporation from the leaf surfaces.
What is the role of the xylem in transpiration?
Xylem vessels transport water from the roots to the leaves, allowing for the movement of water in the transpiration stream.
How does water enter the plant?
Water enters the plant through the roots by osmosis from the soil.
What is the main way water exits the plant?
Water exits the plant through the stomata on the leaves, as water vapor.
What is the role of stomata in transpiration?
Stomata are tiny pores on the surface of leaves that allow water vapor to exit and enable gas exchange (CO2 and oxygen).
How does transpiration help a plant cool down?
The evaporation of water from leaves cools the plant, similar to sweating in humans.
What is the relationship between temperature and transpiration rate?
Higher temperatures increase the rate of transpiration as they speed up evaporation.
What environmental factor slows down transpiration?
High humidity reduces the rate of transpiration because the air already has a lot of moisture, making it harder for water to evaporate.
Why is transpiration important for nutrient transport?
Transpiration creates a flow of water that carries dissolved minerals from the soil to the rest of the plant.
