Question

List any 4 advantages of transpiration to the plant. [4 MARKS]

Answer 1

Each Point: 1 Mark
Any four:
Advantages of transpiration to the plant:
(i) Cooling effect: Evaporation produces a cooling effect in plants. Therefore, transpiration may be useful to the plant in hot sun. Many recent botanists do not agree with this idea.
(ii) Ascent of sap: As a result of transpiration, a suction force is generated which helps in the upward movement of water, against the force of gravity, to the top of tall trees.
(iii) Removal of excess water from the plant: Roots tend to absorb more water than required by the plant. The excess water is removed by the transpiration.
(iv) Absorption of water and nutrients from the soil: Due to transpiration, water is absorbed from the soil. The absorption of water also helps in the intake of inorganic salts which are dissolved in the water.
(v) Distribution of water and salts throughout the plant body: The water also carries with it the mineral salts absorbed by the plant.
(vi) Prevents the plants from drying up: As the water evaporates from the leaf surface, it leaves behind hygroscopic salts (i.e. salts which have the ability to absorb moisture). These salts absorb moisture from the atmosphere and do not allow the plant to dry up.