What is transpiration? Explain how it helps in the movement of water and minerals from the roots to the leaves in a plant.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 00:59 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water in the form of water vapour through tiny pores called stomata, mainly present on leaves.
How it helps in water and mineral movement:
- As water evaporates from leaf cells through stomata, it creates a suction pull (transpiration pull).
- This pull draws water upward through the xylem vessels from stem to leaves.
- The same suction force pulls water — along with dissolved minerals — from the roots into the xylem.
- Thus, transpiration creates a continuous column of water moving from roots → stem → leaves.
This process is sometimes called the "suction pump" of plants.
Source: Life Processes, Chapter 5
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Explanation
- 1 mark for defining transpiration correctly (water loss as vapour through stomata).
- 2 marks for explaining the mechanism: transpiration pull → upward movement through xylem → water + minerals absorbed from roots.
- Key terms to use: stomata, transpiration pull, xylem, suction force — examiners look for these.
- Keep the flow logical: stomata lose water → suction created → water + minerals pulled up from roots.
- The source passages confirm xylem is responsible for water/mineral transport; transpiration explanation comes from standard Chapter 5 content.