Question

What is the reason plants transport water against the force of gravity?

Answer 1

Transportation in plants:

1. Transportation is the process of moving water and nutrients to all sections of the plant in order for it to survive.
2. Water and minerals are transferred by two types of conducting tissues in plants: xylem and phloem.

Reason for transportation of water against the force of gravity in plants:

1. Plants move water against gravity because water is required as one of the essential elements for photosynthesis.
2. Photosynthesis takes place mostly in the leaves, which are high up to make use of the sunshine, but the water originates from the soil, therefore its transmission must begin with the roots.
3. As a result, plants must carry water against gravity.
4. Water is absorbed by the root hair and moves from cell to cell via osmosis until it reaches the xylem.
5. This water is subsequently transferred to the leaves via the xylem vessels and evaporated by the transpiration process.
6. The process involved in the transport of water against gravity's pull by cohesive forces of water molecules causes the movement of water against the force of gravity.
7. The primary force underlying water intake and transfer is transpiration.
8. It is the process of water evaporation through stomatal holes.
9. This produces a pull by replenishing the evaporated water.
10. Because of the cohesive forces, this pull in the xylem tissues extends all the way down.
11. This negative water pressure in the roots eventually leads to an increase in water intake from the soil.