Question

Ascent of sap meaning and work it do

Answer 1

Starting from the roots to aerial parts of the plant the upward transport of water is called ascent of sap. In the plants the process occurs through xylem tissue. The water absorbed by hairs passes through the cortex, passage cells and pericycle enter the tracheary elements of xylem. This takes place either actively through DPD gradient or passively through transpiration pull. Water is lifted up to leaves as a continuous column in the tracheary elements of xylem by virtue one or more forces like root pressure, cohesion and adhesion of water and transpiration pull acting concurrently. This continuous and unbroken transportation of water along with dissolved inorganic mineral salts is called the ascent of sap.