Question

Which of the following functions does not support the statement “transpiration and photosynthesis is a compromise”?

• A. Water is transported to the leaves for photosynthesis and excess water is lost by transpiration.
• B. Water is lost in the form of water vapor by transpiration and cools the surface of the leaf which is useful for photosynthesis.
• C. Transpiration helps in transporting minerals to all parts of the plant which are also useful in photosynthesis.
• D. Transpiration results in water loss for the plants and photosynthesis results in providing food to the different parts of the plant

Answer 1

The correct option is D Transpiration results in water loss for the plants and photosynthesis results in providing food to the different parts of the plant

Water is absorbed through the root hairs and is carried to the leaves for photosynthesis. Less than 1% of the water reaching the leaves is used for photosynthesis and plant growth. Most of the water is lost through the stomata in the leaves by the process of transpiration.
When the temperature is too high the efficiency of metabolic functions are reduced and because of extreme heat plants are severely stressed and may die. But because of transpiration, the surface of the leaf gets cooled. It cools the surface of the leaf by 10°C-15°C by evaporative cooling.
Most of the minerals are transported to all parts of the plants by transpiration. These minerals enter the root by active absorption. This requires energy in the form of ATP. ATP is produced during the breakdown of glucose (produced during photosynthesis).
Transpiration results in water loss for the plants and photosynthesis results in providing food to the different parts of the plant. This does not validate the statement transpiration and photosynthesis is a compromise.