Statement A: Transpiration creates pressure in xylem sufficient enough...
Transpiration is the loss of water in the gaseous phase from the leaves. It is a necessary evil. It might be a major cause of loss of water but it is the driving force for ascent of xylem sap, therefore, conduction of water and minerals. It creates pressure in xylem which can allow water conduction up to 130m height. Transpiration is a pulling force while root pressure is a pushing force.
Statement A: Transpiration creates pressure in xylem sufficient enough...
Statement A: Transpiration creates pressure in xylem sufficient enough to transport water up to 130 m high.
Statement B: Transpiration creates a pushing force.
Explanation:
- Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water vapor through their leaves. It occurs mainly through small openings called stomata on the surface of leaves.
- Transpiration is driven by the difference in water potential between the inside of the leaf and the atmosphere. As water evaporates from the leaf, it creates a negative pressure or tension in the xylem vessels that extends from the roots to the leaves.
- This negative pressure is known as the cohesion-tension theory. According to this theory, as water molecules evaporate from the leaf, they pull on the water molecules below, creating a continuous column of water in the xylem.
- This negative pressure in the xylem creates a suction force that pulls water up from the roots to the leaves. It is strong enough to lift water to great heights, sometimes even up to 130 meters in tall trees.
- However, it is important to note that this negative pressure is a pulling force and not a pushing force.
- In other words, transpiration creates a tension that helps in the movement of water upwards, but it doesn't directly generate a pushing force.
- The pushing force in the xylem is generated by the roots through a process called root pressure. Root pressure occurs when minerals are actively transported into the roots, creating osmotic pressure that pushes water up the xylem.
- Therefore, statement A is true as transpiration creates pressure in the xylem sufficient enough to transport water up to 130 m high.
- On the other hand, statement B is false as transpiration does not create a pushing force.
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