Science (086) — CBSE Class 10 board question

The process involved is transpiration and transportation through xylem (water transport).

1. Water absorbed by roots from the soil enters the root hair cells by osmosis.
2. This water is conducted upward through xylem vessels to all parts of the plant, including the topmost leaves.
3. In the leaves, water evaporates through stomata — this is called transpiration.
4. Transpiration creates a suction pull (transpiration pull), which draws water continuously upward from roots to leaves against gravity.

Thus, a continuous column of water moves from roots to the topmost leaves through the xylem due to transpiration pull.

Source: Chapter 5, Life Processes — Transportation in Plants

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• The examiner expects three key terms: osmosis (root absorption), xylem (conduction), and transpiration pull (driving force).
• Many students forget to mention the mechanism that drives water upward — always state "transpiration pull/suction pull created by transpiration."
• Keep the steps in logical order: soil → roots (osmosis) → xylem → leaves → stomata → transpiration pull.
• 3 marks = 3 distinct points; one mark each for absorption, xylem conduction, and transpiration pull.