Learning Objectives

• Explain the mechanism of water uptake and movement in terms of

transpiration producing a tension (‘pull’) from above, creating a water
potential gradient in the xylem, drawing cohesive water molecules up
the plant.
•Define transpiration as evaporation of water at the surfaces of the
mesophyll cells followed by loss of water vapour from plant leaves,
through the stomata
• Describe how water vapour loss is related to cell surfaces, air
spaces and stomata
• Describe the effects of variation of temperature, humidity and
light intensity on transpiration rate
• Discuss the adaptations of the leaf, stem and root to three
contrasting environments, to include pond, garden and desert, with
emphasis on local examples (where appropriate) and the factors
described in the core
 Need for transport systems
• Plants need sugars and water to stay
alive

Water needs to Sugars need to

travel from the travel from the
roots to the leaves to the rest
leaves of the plant

o f
e
anc
o rt er
p t
Im w a
 W a te r
e m e nt
Mov nt
g h a P l a
Throu
 Transport System in Plants

Functions?

Vascular bundle
Xylem
Phloem
Sieve tubes
Companion cell
How is transpiration regulated?

Number of stomata

Video:
http://www.biologymad.com/resources/transpiration.swf
• Tiny pores found on the surfaces of a leaf

• Stomata take in carbon dioxide from the air through

stomata

• Water vapour passes out from the leaf to the atmosphere

through stomata
 Which factors
affect the
transpiration?

Atmospheric conditions
Leaf Structure
 Leaf Structure Atmospheric
Structure

•Thick and waxy

cuticle
•Stomata sunk
•Humid air
•Leaves shape •Wind
(needle) •High
temperature
•Low hımidity
•High light
intensity

http://twig-it.com/search#transpiration