Question

Wilting of leaves in hot weather is due to

• A. Excessive transpiration.
• B. Excess of transpiration as compared to water absorption.
• C. Excessive water absorption by roots.
• D. None of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Excess of transpiration as compared to water absorption.

Wilting is the condition in plants in which cells lose their turgidity and young leaves and stems droop etc. It results because of the excess of transpiratory water loss over absorption. Water escapes from the leaves through stomata by the process called transpiration. As the water is pulled up through the xylem, it forms a continuous column as the water molecules are held together by capillary forces and this forms water chains which keep the plants turgid. As the water absorption becomes less when there is less water available in the soil for absorption and transpiration continues to occur, water chains in xylem become thinner and the plant loses its turgidity and begins to wilt.

So, the correct answer is B.