Part 02 · Moving materials, enzymes and energy · Card 11 of 11
Transpiration
The loss of water vapour from leaves. It pulls water up the plant through tubes called xylem.
Last updated
Analogy
Sucking on a straw: water at the top pulls more water up behind it.
In practice
A plant loses more water on a hot, windy, dry day.
Practice
Flashcards
- What makes transpiration faster?Heat, wind, dry air and bright light.
Questions people ask
What is the transpiration stream?
It is the steady flow of water from roots up through xylem vessels to the leaves, where it evaporates through the stomata. As water leaves the leaf, more is pulled up behind it. The stream carries minerals from the soil and keeps cells firm and cool.
What conditions increase the rate of transpiration?
Transpiration is faster in higher temperatures, because water evaporates quicker. Wind carries water vapour away and keeps the gradient steep. Low humidity also speeds it up, as does bright light, which opens the stomata. Cool, still, humid conditions slow it down.