Potometer

4/25/23, 7:54 PM What is Potometer Experiment?
Aim, Requirements and Steps - Biology Reader
Potometer Experiment
Leave a Comment / Botany / By Supriya N
A Potometer experiment is performed to estimate the transpiration rate in

different plants. A potometer is an apparatus used to determine the
transpiration rate of the cut shoot at the desired time. It is also called a
transpirometer.
Using the potometer, we can record the readings of water uptaken by the
cut shoot. There are two causes of water uptake. Plants uptake water to
perform two major activities. One is transpiration, and the other is
photosynthesis.
Transpiration is the evaporation of water by the leaves through the

stomatal activity. Plants absorb sunlight, CO2 and H2O to give oxygen and
carbohydrates during photosynthesis.
Thus, we can only get a rough idea about the transpiration rate using a
potometer. But, the actual transpiration rate may be lower than the value
indicated by the potometer. Because water loss can be due to both
transpiration and photosynthesis.
Bubble and mass potometers are common devices used to measure

transpiration in plants. A bubble potometer measures water absorbed by
the shoot. Mass potometer measures the water loss by the shoot.
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4/25/23, 7:54 PM What is Potometer Experiment? Aim, Requirements and Steps - Biology Reader
The working of a potometer depends upon the amount of water absorbed

by the plant. This post discusses the purpose, design and working of the
photometer. Also, the aim, requirements and steps are explained to
measure transpiration using Ganong’s photometer.
Content: Potometer Experiment
1. What is Potometer?
Purpose
Design
Working
2. Requirements of the Potometer Experiment
3. Potometer Experiment Steps
4. Factors Affecting Transpiration
5. Calculation
6. Precautions
7. Advantages
8. Limitations
9. Conclusion
What is Potometer?
A potometer is a set-up that helps in estimating the transpiration rate and
factors affecting transpiration. We can measure the transpiration rate in
plants by knowing the amount of water absorbed by the plant. Here, the
amount of water absorbed is equal to the water loss during the
transpiration by plants. Also, we can study the effect of different external
variables on transpiration rate.
What is the Purpose of the Potometer?
A potometer aims to measure the water absorbed by the plant, which is

equal to the value of transpiration.
What is the Design of the Potometer?
Potometers are available in a variety of designs. But all follow the same
basic principle and comprise of the following components:
1. Capillary tube: Here, a bubble travels a distance due to water

absorption by the plant. We can measure water uptake through regular
gradations on the tube.
2. Reservoir: It is like a funnel with a tap. We can reset the bubble by
turning on the tap. Some potometers also use a syringe in place of a
reservoir.
3. End tube: It holds the shoot. The stem end must be in touch with the
water. Additionally, we need to fix the cork Bauer on the end tube to
avoid air bubbles.
How does a Potometer Work?
There are two main types of potometers.
In a bubble photometer, we require a leafy shoot fixed within the end

tube. Then, over a specific time, an air bubble travels a distance that is
equal to the water uptaken by plants.
In a mass photometer, we require a plant with its root submerged in a
beaker. This beaker is then placed on a digital balance. Readings
depend upon the amount of water lost by the plant.
Thus, we can measure transpiration by recording the change in the volume

of water taken up or the change in mass.
Requirements of the Potometer Experiment
To study the transpiration rate, we need:
Potometer to conduct the experiment and to take out the readings.

Water bucket to submerge the apparatus.
Healthy shoot to study the rate of transpiration.
Vaseline seals all the connection points.
Cutter cuts the shoot.
Adhesive tape secures the airtight seal.
Stopwatch is used to set the time.
To study factors affecting the rate of transpiration, we can use:

Bench lamp to know the effect of light intensity.

Table fan to know the effect of wind speed.
Polythene to know the effect of humidity.
Dryer to study the effect of temperature.
Potometer Experiment Steps

1. First, submerge the whole apparatus in the sink or water tray to remove
air bubbles.
2. Then, cut the plant shoot underwater and insert it into the hole of the
cork Bauer fixed to the end tube. This step should be quick to avoid
entering any air into the plant’s xylem.
3. After that, attach the whole unit to the capillary tube underwater.
4. Then, use vaseline at all the connections to ensure an airtight
environment. Also, we could use adhesive tape to secure the airtight
seal.
5. After that, we can take out the potometer apparatus and mount it on the
wooden base.
Note: If any bubbles appear, restart the whole procedure to get accurate
results.
6. Then, place the open end of the capillary tube into a beaker. The
capillary tube has graduations in millimetres.
7. Add colour to the water to see the distance travelled by the air bubble
within the capillary tube.
8. Introduce an air bubble by dipping the capillary tube out of and back
into the beaker containing water.
9. Note down the distance of an air bubble before the experiment. Then
set the time in the stopwatch. Allow the air bubble to move at a given
time.
10. Finally, record the reading by looking at the distance an air bubble
moved.
11. We can also repeat the experiment by refilling the system by turning
the glass stop cock. During this stage, we can reset or adjust the air
bubble.
Factors Affecting Transpiration
We can also investigate the transpiration rate under different

environmental factors. Below, we will discuss the effect of different
variables on transpiration.
Light Intensity
We can study the effect of light intensity by using a bench lamp at different
distances. High light intensity causes turgidity of guard cells, allowing
stomatal opening. It permits more water loss.
Wind Speed
To know the effect of wind speed on transpiration, we can use a table fan.
By using an inch tape, we could place the fan at different distances to study
the effect of high and low wing speed. More wind speed removes water
vapour from the air surrounding the leaf. Thus, it generates a steep
concentration gradient between the leaf and water. It leads to an increase
in water loss or transpiration.
Humidity
We can wrap a polythene bag around the leaves to know how the humidity
affects transpiration. When the humidity is high, the air concentration
saturated with water vapour is high. As a result, the diffusion of water
vapour from the leaves reduces. Here, the concentration gradient is smaller,
resulting in a less net flow of water vapours.
Temperature
To know how the temperature affects transpiration, we can use a dryer.

Higher temperature increases the water molecules’ kinetic energy, resulting
in high transpiration rate. Water molecules evaporate from the mesophyll
and diffuse away faster.
How does a potometer measure transpiration?
Calculation: The transpiration rate is equal to the distance that an air

bubble moved within the capillary tube at a given time. The transpiration
rate is measured in ml/min or cm/min.
Using a potometer, we could estimate the transpiration rate in two ways:
Indirect Method: Here, we need to measure the reduction in the volume

of water in the capillary tube over some time.
Direct Method: Here, we need to measure the loss in mass of the
potometer over some time.
Precautions
Plant shoot must be fresh and healthy.

The whole apparatus must be airtight.
The cut stem must be fixed to the end tube underwater.
Leaves of the desired shoot must be dry before cutting.

There should not be any air bubbles in the apparatus.
Advantages
It measures the transpiration rate by estimating water uptake by the

plant.
It helps to study the effect of variables like light, humidity, temperature
and wind speed on the transpiration rate.
Limitations
It isn’t easy to set up, as an air bubble may alter the results.
The potometer does not give accurate results. Because not all the water
that the plant takes is used for transpiration. Plants may take water for
photosynthesis or to maintain cell turgidity as well.
The cut shoot does not remain active for a long time.
The air temperature outside may change the position of the air bubble
within the capillary tube.
Conclusion
Thus, a potometer is used to calculate the amount of water that the cut
shoot has uptaken. The water uptake by the plant gives the value of water
loss or transpiration rate in a given plant.
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4/25/23, 7:54 PM What is Potometer Experiment?

Aim, Requirements and Steps - Biology Reader

A Potometer experiment is performed to estimate the transpiration rate in

Transpiration is the evaporation of water by the leaves through the

Bubble and mass potometers are common devices used to measure

The working of a potometer depends upon the amount of water absorbed

Content: Potometer Experiment

What is the Purpose of the Potometer?

A potometer aims to measure the water absorbed by the plant, which is

What is the Design of the Potometer?

1. Capillary tube: Here, a bubble travels a distance due to water

How does a Potometer Work?

There are two main types of potometers.

In a bubble photometer, we require a leafy shoot fixed within the end

Thus, we can measure transpiration by recording the change in the volume

Requirements of the Potometer Experiment

To study the transpiration rate, we need:

Potometer to conduct the experiment and to take out the readings.

To study factors affecting the rate of transpiration, we can use:

Bench lamp to know the effect of light intensity.

Potometer Experiment Steps

Factors Affecting Transpiration

We can also investigate the transpiration rate under different

To know how the temperature affects transpiration, we can use a dryer.

How does a potometer measure transpiration?

Calculation: The transpiration rate is equal to the distance that an air

Using a potometer, we could estimate the transpiration rate in two ways:

Indirect Method: Here, we need to measure the reduction in the volume

Plant shoot must be fresh and healthy.

Leaves of the desired shoot must be dry before cutting.

It measures the transpiration rate by estimating water uptake by the

You Might Also Like:

1. Shoot System of Plant

Most Searched Terms

Gelatin Hydrolysis Test

Fraenkel Conrat Experiment

Difference Between Acids and Bases

Copyright © 2023 Biology Reader · Contact Us · About Us · Privacy

You might also like