Question

Why is it important for a plant to lose water through transpiration?

Answer 1

Transpiration:

1. Transpiration is a process that involves the loss of water vapour through the stomata of plants.
2. The loss of water vapour from the plant cools the plant down when the weather is very hot, and water from the stem and roots moves upwards or is ‘pulled’ into the leaves.
3. When there is less water available for the plants, dehydrated mesophyll cells release the plant hormone abscisic acid, which causes the stomatal pores to close and reduces water loss during oxygen release and carbon dioxide intake.
4. Additionally, it aids in keeping the plant cells turgid.
5. In order to facilitate photosynthesis, it provides water to the leaves.
6. A transpiration pull is a biological process in which the xylem tissue produces a pulling force.
7. This force facilitates the water's ascent into the xylem vessels.
8. Through the leaves, water is lost during this process in the form of vapour.

Transpiration can be of 3 kinds:

1. Stomatal Transpiration:
   1. In this type, transpiration happens through the stomata of the leaves.
   2. Stomata are tiny pores found on the epidermis of leaves that are responsible for water loss and vapour exchange.
   3. Stomata account for approximately 80-90% of transpiration.
2. Cuticular Transpiration :
   1. When transpiration happens through the cuticle of the leaves, this type is called cuticular transpiration.
   2. The cuticle is a thin layer that covers the epidermis.
   3. Around 9% of transpiration occurs through the cuticle.
3. Lenticular Transpiration:
   1. Lenticular transpiration occurs when water passes through lenticels.
   2. Lenticels are formed when pores on the stems of woody plants and the epidermis of natural products are tracked down.
   3. Lenticels account for about 1% of transpiration.