Cohesion-Tension Theory

The cohesion-tension theory is a theory of intermolecular attraction that explains

the process of water flow upwards (against the force of gravity) through the xylem
of plants. It was proposed in 1894 by John Joly and Henry Horatio Dixon.

Xylem is one of the two types of transport tissue in vascular plants, phloem being
the other. The basic function of xylem is to transport water from roots to stems and
leaves, but it also transports nutrients. It is found throughout the plant.
This is a process, there are different steps that are all important individually.

These are the processes and properties important to cohesion-tension theory.

Transpiration – the process of water evaporation through the

stomata in leaves.

Adhesion – the attachment of one different molecule to another. In this

case water to the xylem walls.
Cohesion - water molecules are attracted to one another and to surfaces by weak
electrical attractions. When water molecules stick together by hydrogen bonds,
scientists call it cohesion. Holds water molecules together.
Tension – the pull one water molecule has on another. Tension occurs in
the hydrogen bonds when they are stretched. Pulls the column of water.
Basically…
Water is "pulled" up the xylem by the water lost through transpiration. The column
of water doesn't break because of the cohesive forces between the water molecules.
Hydrogen bonds between individual water molecules is the force of attraction. The
pulling action of transpiration stretches the water column in the xylem so that it is
under tension.