Water Transport in Plants

Plants require water for growth, temperature regulation and to hold themselves up

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Transpiration system

Water absorbed into roots through root hair cells

Water carried to leaves through xylem vessels

Water evaporates from underside of leaves

Water escapes through holes called stomata

As water evaporates, more is sucked up xylem

Stomata open and close to control water loss

Open – O₂ and CO₂ enter and exit

Closed – Reduce water loss

Water is absorbed in plants by young roots and in the dermal cells by osmosis

Cell sap of the epidermal cells has higher concentration than water in the soil

Root hairs significantly increase water absorption

Root hairs increase the root surface area and catchment space for water uptake

Epidermal cells do not have a cuticle > water uptake is fast

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