Transpiration and Water Uptake

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to transpiration and water uptake in plants.

Transpiration

The process by which plants lose water in the form of vapor through tiny pores called stomata.

Water Uptake

The absorption of water from the soil by roots, which then travels to different parts of the plant.

Stomata

Microscopic pores on the leaf surface that regulate gas exchange; they facilitate water vapor loss and carbon dioxide intake.

Cuticular Transpiration

Water loss from plant leaves through the cuticle, a waxy coating, accounting for about 5-10% of total transpiration.

Stomatal Transpiration

The loss of water vapor from a plant through the stomata, primarily regulated by guard cells.

Lenticels

Small openings in the bark and twigs of plants that allow for water vapor evaporation, contributing minimally to transpiration.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Active Absorption

The absorption of water using metabolic energy (ATP) by root cells, occurring when transpiration rates are low.

Passive Absorption

The absorption of water without using metabolic energy, driven by transpiration pull from the leaves.

Apoplast Pathway

A pathway of water movement that passes through cell walls and intercellular spaces.

Symplast Pathway

A pathway of water movement that passes through the cytoplasm of cells connected by plasmodesmata.

Casparian Band

A waterproof band of suberin in the endodermis that forces water to pass through the symplast pathway.

Guard Cells

Cells that surround stomata and control their opening and closing, influencing transpiration rates.

Evaporation

The process by which water is converted from liquid to vapor, which occurs during transpiration.

Root/Shoot Ratio

The relationship between the root mass and shoot mass; affects the rate of transpiration in a plant.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor present in the air; low humidity increases transpiration rates.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll in leaves.

Xylem

Vascular tissue in plants that conducts water from the roots to the leaves.

Phloem

Vascular tissue responsible for transporting sugars and organic nutrients throughout the plant.