Question

Transpiration is a necessary evil in plants. Explain

Answer 1

Definition:

Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water in the form of water vapour from the aerial parts.


Significance:

Transpiration helps the plant in the following ways:-

• Ascent of sap- Transpiration causes transpiration pull which is a suction force that helps in the absorption and transport of water by the roots to other parts of the plants. The ascent of sap helps in distribution of minerals too.
• Cooling effect- Due to the evaporative loss of water the leaves experience a cooling effect.
• Provides water for photosynthesis- Transpiration pull due to transpiration helps the plants to get water which is a main raw material required for photosynthesis.

Disadvantage:

• Ascent of sap is necessary in the plants for the process of growth and development. This takes place primarily due to transpirational pull . But when transpiration takes place in large amounts, it leads to wilting of the plant due to excessive water loss.
• The water that can be used for the process of photosynthesis may get lost through the process of transpiration. Therefore transpiration is a necessary evil in plants.