Question

Name the following:

Binding of water molecules to each other.

Answer 1

Cohesion

1. As the water is lost from mesophyll cells due to transpiration, it increases the suction pressure for the ascent of sap.
2. So, they withdraw water from the xylem channels, and thus, the water column in the xylem comes under negative pressure.
3. However, the water column does not break due to the forces of adhesion and cohesion.
4. Cohesion is a type of force where water molecules are bound to each other by hydrogen bonds.
5. This cohesion of water molecules develops a cohesive force or tensile strength of around 200 atm.

So, the binding of water molecules to each other is called cohesion.