Does

transpiration
Occur Largely Through the
stomata ?
SHU BEN
TING
 Prediction

YES
Transpiration occurs largely through
the stomata.
MATERIALS
• Tape
• String
• Three identical leaves
• Petroleum jelly
• Electronic balance
 Surface
area of
Initial mass
leaves
of leaves

ME
Final mass A
of leaves S

UR ME
E
N T S
 Dependent variable:
Mass of each leaves
after the experiment

Independent
variable : Control :
Area of leaf surface – Type of petroleum
covered with jelly
petroleum jelly – Type, size of leaves
– Leaves placed at same
surroundings
RESULTS

The leaf with petroleum jelly applied

on the upper surface will have the
greatest decrease in mass.
 EXPLANATION
Since most of the stomata of leaves are
located at the lower epidermis of leaf,
covering the upper surface area of leaf
means allowing the stomata at lower
epidermis to be exposed to air, thus
causing more water loss through
transpiration. Hence, this results in the
great loss in weight of leaf.
 O F
S Sources of Error
CE
U R OR Wind
O
S ER R
hu Air
Siz m
ea id i
ar n d ty o f
ea s u re
o f u rf rat g s
lea ace pe ndi n
m
Te rrou
ve
s su

Amount of
sunlight
received
Do You Know? 

◢ Insoluble in water
◢ Repels water

◢ Acts like a
‘barrier’
◢ Water cannot pass through
stomata
◢ No transpiration