A potted plant is kept in sunlight and the plant is covered with a polythene cover. Water droplets appear inside the cover after few hours. Answer the following questions:
(a) Name the process that is observed in the above experiment.
(b) From which part of the plant does water loss mainly occur?
(c) How does this process help in water conduction?
(d) Name one environmental factor that can increase the process mentioned in (a).
(e) What will happen if the process in (a) stops?
Show SolutionHide Solution↓
(a) Transpiration
(b) Water loss occurs mainly from the leaves, through the stomata.
(c) The loss of water vapour from the leaves creates a suction force called transpiration pull. This pull draws a continuous column of water upwards through the xylem from the roots to the leaves, bringing about the ascent of sap.
(d) High temperature.
(e) If transpiration stops, the transpiration pull will be lost and the upward conduction of water and dissolved minerals will slow down. The plant will also not be able to cool itself, and excess water in the plant may be given out as droplets by guttation.