Constant evaporation of water from aerial parts of a plant.
Transpiration stream = constant flow of water from roots to shoots.
Rate = lower in afternoon - plant is wilting; stomata may be closed; more humid (humidity decreases
the water VAPOUR potential gradient). However, it is unavoidable during daylight since stomata
need to be open to allow for gas exchange for photosynthesis. Rate = fastest in WARM and WINDY
conditions (WARM = photosynthesis faster so more need for water; WINDY = maintains a high
water VAPOUR potential gradient.
Contributes to water movement up stem in: a) leaf - water loss in leaf is
replaced by apoplast/symplast/vacuolar pathway down a water potential
gradient; b) xylem - loss of water at the top of the leaf means hydrostatic
pressure is less at the top of the stem, therefore water moves down a
pressure gradient; there is cohesion/adhesion of water molecule. [cohesion
= attraction with other water molecules; adhesion to sides of xylem].
Potometer = estimate of transpiration rate since it measures uptake of water NOT loss. To use a
potometer, you need to use a healthy shoot; cut the shoot 2cm from the bottom (to ensure no air in xylem);
watertight seals (to ensure water uptake is accurate); use dry leaves (so evaporation from stomata not
affected). Repeats = reliability.
Constant flow of water from roots to leaves =
transpiration stream. Achieved by a) water
moving from a higher water potential to a lower
water potential; b) high hydrostatic pressure at
bottom of xylem; c) transpiration at the leaves
(i.e. giving a lower hydrostatic pressure here); d)
water under tension; e) cohesion between water
molecules; f) adhesion between water and
xylem
Phloem = sieve tubes and companion cells. Moves SUCROSE from
sources (where sucrose is loaded) to sinks (where sucrose is
deposited). Leaves = sources; DEVELOPING buds/GROWING tips
= sinks.
Sieve tubes = living; moves sucrose in
BOTH directions (unlike xylem with
water); no lignin; no bordered pits (but
does have PLASMODESMATA to allow
sucrose to move from companion cell to
sieve tube).Cross walls allow sap to
flow.
Companion cells - contain
mitochondria to produce ATP
required for active transport.
Contain plasmodesmata to
allow communication between
companion cells and sieve
tubes.
Loading assimilates (sucrose) into phloem is the role of the companion cell. It involves a) active
transport of H+ out of the companion cell. b) This creates a H+ concentratio gradient so H+
diffuses back into the companion cell. c) As it does this, sucrose moves in with the H+. d)
Sucrose then diffuses via the plasmodesmata into the sieve tube element
Evidence for = companion cells have lots of mitochondria. Evidence against = role of sieve plates unclear
Xerophytes = plants
which survive hot,
dry conditions
Have a thick cuticle for
waterproofing; rolled
leaves (to trap water
VAPOUR - this reduces
the water potential
gradient meaning water
is less likely to
evaporate); reduced
SA (so less water
evaporation); hairs (to
trap water VAPOUR);
fewer stomatal pores
(so less water
evaporation)
Uptake of minerals from the soil is by active uptake. A consequence of this is that the water
potential in the root is lower than the soil. Water is able to move in by osmosis from a high water
potential to a lower one down a water potential gradient. Once in, water moves by the
APOPLAST (in between cells - can also carry minerals with it); SYMPLAST (through the
cytoplasm - using plasmodesmata to get from one cell to the next) and VACUOLAR (through the
vacuoles).
CASPARIAN STRIP blocks the APOPLAST pathway so the water potential in the
xylem is lowered meaning water will enter by OSMOSIS from higher water potential
to lower water potential.
Plants need transport systems due to low SA: vol rations. They are XYLEM and PHLOEM
Xylem = water/minerals up a plant to leaves for photosynthesis. Made
of continuous column of DEAD cells; contains BORDERED PITS (to
allow water to move in/out and supply water to other parts of the plant)
and LIGNIN (strength - stops it collapsing; flexibility - stops stem from
breaking; c) waterproofing (to reduce water loss).