Mechanism of Water Movement through a Plant (Transpiration Pull)

Question 1

what is the first thing that happens to the water molecules

Answer 1

water molecules are attracted to each other by cohesion - creating a continuous column of water up the plant

Question 2

where does the water move

Answer 2

water moves through the xylem vessels in a continuous transpiration stream from roots to leaves via the stem

Question 3

what does the transpiration produce

Answer 3

transpiration produces a tension or pull on the water in the xylem vessels by the leaves

Question 4

what happens as the water molecules are held together

Answer 4

as water molecules are held together by cohesive forces (each individual molecule pulls on the one below it) so water is pulled up through the plant

Question 5

what happens if the rate of transpiration increases

Answer 5

if the rate of transpiration from the leaves increases, water molecules are pulled up the xylem vessels quicker