From Seed to Seed:
Plant Science for K-8 Educators
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From Seed to Seed: |
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E. Transpiration Approximately 99 percent of the water that plants take in is released into the atmosphere as water vapor. This loss of water vapor due to evaporation is known as transpiration. Transpiration is often referred to as a necessary evil because it is inseparable from the uptake of carbon dioxide needed for photosynthesis. Recall the tradeoff that plants face with respect to photosynthesis. When the stomata open to draw in carbon dioxide, water vapor is released.Although transpiration may seem wasteful, without it water from the soil would not reach the leaves and the plant would die. During transpiration, water enters the plant through the roots and exits through the leaves. How does this happen? We'll begin by considering the role that roots and stems play in the movement of water through the plant. |
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