Name: Facilitated Diffusion: Transport in Plants
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 18 min 2 s
Description: Facilitated diffusion occurs when important molecules pass through the membranes via special holes called channels. Watch the video to learn more.

Question

Write about the significance of transpiration.

Accepted Answer

The loss of water in the form of water vapour through small pores present in the epidermal cells of the plants is called transpiration. Transpiration plays an important role in the upward transport of water (ascent of sap) through the xylem as it generates transpiration pull due to continuous loss of water from the leaves. Transpiration has immense importance in a plant's life. They are:

It helps in the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during the daytime for the process of photosynthesis.

It provided a significant cooling effect which keeps the plant from being overheated. Transpiration reduces the temperature of leaves and hence protects the leaves from excess heat. When water evaporates from the leaf surface, it causes some cooling effect due to the loss of latent heat of vaporization.

Role in the movement of water: Due to active transpiration from the leaves diffusion-pressure deficit (DPD) in the mesophyll cells is increased, whereby it favors the movement of water through the xylem vessels.

Role in the absorption and upward translocation of mineral salts: The mineral salts after absorption from the soil moves from one cell to another cell and finally after entering the xylem vessel mixed up with water. As a result of the active transpiration from the leaves, a suction force is created which helps in the upward movement of the mineral substances to the top of the tall trees through the xylem.

Role in the distribution of water: Transpiration from the leaf surface helps in the distribution of water everywhere within the plant body.

Role in giving out excess water absorbed by the plants: Transpiration helps in giving out excess water absorbed from the soil by the plants which would otherwise clog the intercellular space of the leaves.

Role in maintaining an optimum degree of turgor in cells: The concentration of the cell sap increase due to transpiration whereby it helps to maintain the optimum degree of turgor in cells.

Write about the significance of transpiration.

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