Question

Why would a plant want to lose water through transpiration?

Answer 1

Transpiration:

1. It is the loss of water through the aerial parts of the plant.
2. The water is typically lost in the form of water vapour.
3. The tiny openings present on leaves i.e stomata help in the movement of water out of the plant.

Loss of water through transpiration is useful for the plants because it helps with the following functions:

1. Maintaining plant structure – transpiration helps in maintaining the turgidity in plants since young plants that do not have woody stems need water for their structural support.
2. Ensuring the cooling of plant – the loss of water in the form of water vapour from plants helps the plant to cool down during hot days.
3. Transpirational pull - which is a result of evaporation of water from surfaces of leaves through stomata. This pull helps water to be drawn up in the xylem vessels.