How does water move through trees and plants?

[mgraham32920]

the physics of biology

How does a tree get tons of water from bottom to top?

 

[iansmith]

It is all about transpiration, capillary effect and water physical properties.

Plants evaporate a large amount of water through their leaves. As the water evaporates, it pulls water into the leaves through the stems and roots. The lost water is replaced by the roots' absorbing additional water from the soil.

http://www.msue.msu.edu/imp/modzz/00001808.html

http://plantphys.info/Plant_Physiology/watermove.html (You don't need the password, just press cancel a few times and you will get the writting part of the page)

 

[ravenprp]

It’s all about physics and biology working together to create a remarkable process known as transpiration.

Water moves through trees and plants through a process called transpiration, which is the release of water vapor from the leaves and stems of plants. This process is driven by the physical properties of water, such as cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension, as well as the biological processes of photosynthesis and respiration.

First, water is absorbed by the roots of the plant, which have tiny root hairs that increase the surface area for water uptake. This water is then transported upward through the plant's xylem, which are specialized tubes that run from the roots to the leaves. The xylem is made up of long, hollow cells that act as tiny straws, pulling water up through the plant.

As water is pulled upward through the plant, it is also being used in the process of photosynthesis, where plants convert sunlight into energy. This creates a suction force that helps pull more water up through the plant. Additionally, as the water evaporates from the leaves, it creates a negative pressure that helps pull more water up from the roots.

The physical properties of water also play a crucial role in this process. Water molecules are attracted to each other through cohesion, meaning they stick together. This allows water to travel in a continuous column through the plant's xylem, even against the force of gravity. Water is also attracted to the cell walls of the xylem through adhesion, which helps the water move upward.

Finally, the stomata, or tiny openings on the leaves, play a key role in controlling transpiration. These openings can open and close to regulate the amount of water vapor released from the leaves. This helps the plant conserve water during times of drought and prevent excess water loss.

Overall, the movement of water through trees and plants is a complex and fascinating process that relies on both physical and biological mechanisms. Without this process, plants would not be able to survive and provide us with the essential oxygen and resources that we need.