Question | Answer |
What is transpiration? | Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems and flowers |
What factors affect transpiration? | Light intensity Temperature Humidity Wind |
How does light intensity affect the rate of transpiration? | Stomata open when it gets light = increased rate of transpiration |
How does temperature affect the rate of transpiration? | Water molecules have more kinetic energy to evaporate from the cells This increases the water vapour potential gradient between the inside and outside, making diffusion faster |
How does humidity affect the rate of transpiration? | Low humidity = fast transpiration The water vapour potential gradient increases, therefore transpiration rate increases |
How does wind affect the rate of transpiration? | Air movement blows away H₂O molecules from around the stomata This increases the water vapour potential gradient |
What instrument is used to measure the rate of transpiration? |
Potometer
Image:
Image (binary/octet-stream)
|
When using a potometer, what assumption is made? | It is assumed that water uptake is directly related to water loss by the leaves |
Outline the method used to measure water uptake using a potometer | 1. Cut a shoot underwater and at a slant 2. Insert the shoot to the potometer under water 3. Dry the leaves, allowing time for the shoot to acclimatise 4. Record the starting position of the air bubble 5. Start a stopwatch and record the distance moved by the bubble per unit time 6. Change only one variable at a time (e.g. temperature) |
Why is the shoot cut underwater? | To prevent air from entering the xylem |
Why is the shoot cut at a slant? | To increase surface area for water uptake |
What are xerophytic plants? | Xerophytes grow in dry climates |
Give two examples of xerophytic plants | Cacti Marram grass |
What are the adaptations of cacti to dry climates? | Thick waxy layer on epidermis (waterproof) Spines instead of leaves (reduces surface area) Close stomata at the hottest times of the day |
What are the adaptations of marram grass to dry climates? | Stomata sunk in pits, sheltered from wind Hairs on epidermis (traps moist air around stomata) Rolled leaves (traps moist air and reduces surface area) Thick waxy layer on epidermis (waterproof) |
What are hydrophytic plants? | Hydrophytes live in aquatic habitats with adaptations to help with low oxygen levels |
What are the adaptations of hydrophytes? | Air spaces in tissues (help plants float and can act as an oxygen store) Waterlilies float to increase amount of light Stomata present o the upper surface of floating leaves (helps maximise gas exchange) Flexible leaves and stems (prevent damage by water currents) |
Want to create your own Flashcards for free with GoConqr? Learn more.