Water is able to travel against gravity, from the roots of a plant to the leaves at the top of the plant.Which of the following processes best explains the movement of water in this phenomenon?
Question
Water is able to travel against gravity, from the roots of a plant to the leaves at the top of the plant.Which of the following processes best explains the movement of water in this phenomenon?
Solution
The process that best explains the movement of water from the roots of a plant to the leaves at the top, against gravity, is called "transpiration pull" or "cohesion-tension theory". Here's a step-by-step explanation:
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Transpiration: This is the process where water evaporates from the leaves of a plant. As water molecules evaporate from the leaves, they create a pull or tension that is transmitted down the plant via the water column in the xylem (the plant's water-conducting tissue).
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Cohesion and Adhesion: Water molecules are attracted to each other (cohesion) and to the walls of the xylem (adhesion). This helps to maintain the continuous column of water from the roots to the leaves.
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Water Uptake: As water is lost from the leaves, more water is drawn up from the roots to replace it. This is facilitated by the plant's root pressure and capillary action.
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Capillary Action: This is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, and in opposition to, external forces like gravity. It occurs due to the adhesive and cohesive properties of water.
So, the combination of transpiration pull, cohesion and adhesion of water molecules, and capillary action enables water to travel from the roots of a plant to the leaves at the top, against gravity.
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