Question

Define transpiration. How will you differentiate the different types of transpiration? (7 Marks)

Answer 1

Transpiration:

• Transpiration is the biological process by which water is lost in the form of water vapour from the aerial parts of the plants. (2 Marks)
• Depending on the plant surface involved, transpiration can be of three types.(0.5 Marks)
• They are:
  • Stomatal transpiration (0.5 Marks)
  • Cuticular transpiration (0.5 Marks)
  • Lenticular transpiration (0.5 Marks)

Stomatal transpiration:

• Loss of water from plants through stomata. It accounts for 90- 95% of the water transpired from leaves. (1 Mark)

Cuticular transpiration:

• Loss of water in plants through the cuticle. (1 Mark)

Lenticular transpiration:

• Loss of water from plants as vapour through the lenticels. The lenticels are tiny openings that protrude from the barks in woody stems and twigs as well as in other plant organs. (1 Mark)