Transpiration

Xerophytic Plants are Adapted to Reduce Water Loss Like cacti, pine tree and prickly pears adapted to live in dry climates 1. Stomata that are sunk in pits - so they're sheltered from the wind, helps slow transpiration down 2. Layer of hairs in epidermis - traps moist air round stomata - reduces water potential gradient between leaf and air, slowing transpiration down 3. Curled leaves - traps moist air, slowing transpiration - lowers exposed surface are for losing water and protects stomata from wind 4. Spines instead of leaves - reduces surface area for water loss 5. Thick, waxy layer on epidermis - reduces water loss by evaporation because layer waterproof (water can't move through it) 6. Reduced number of stomata - means fewer places where water can be lost
01 January 2011 20:25

Transpiration is a Consequence of Gas Exchange Transpiration is the evaporation of water from a plant's surface 1. Plant needs to open its stomata to let in carbon dioxide so that it can produce glucose (photosynthesis) 2. But this also lets water out - high concentration of water inside leaf than in air outside 3. Water moves out of leaf down water potential gradient when stomata open 4. Transpiration's really a side effect of gas exchange needed for photosynthesis Four Main Factors Affect Transpiration Rate Light - lighter it is faster the transpiration rate. 1. Because stomata open when it gets light When dark, stomata usually closed, so little transpiration Temperature - higher the temperature, faster the transpiration 2. rate Warmer water molecules have more energy so they evaporate from cells in leaf faster Increases water potential gradient between inside and outside leaf, making water diffuse out of leaf faster

Humidity - lower the humidity, faster transpiration rate. If air around plant is dry, water potential gradient between leaf and air increased Wind - windier it is, faster transpiration rate. 4. Lots of air movement blows away water molecules from around stomata. Increases water potential gradient which increases rate of transpiration

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A Potometer can be Used to Estimate Transpiration Rate Measures water uptake by plant, but assumed that water uptake by plant directly related to water loss by leaves Can use it to estimate how different factors affect transpiration rate 1. Cut shoot underwater to prevent air entering xylem - cut at slant to increase surface available for water uptake 2. Check apparatus full of water an that there are no air bubbles 3. Insert shoot into apparatus underwater, so no air can enter 4. Remove potometer from water and make sure its airtight and waterlight 5. Dry leaves, allow time for shoot to acclimatise (becomes accustomed to new climate) and then shut tap 6. Keep conditions constant throughout experiment, e.g. temperature and air humidity 7. Record starting position of air bubble 8. Start stopwatch and record distance move by bubble per unit time, e.g. per hour