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Bio Phys

The document outlines key concepts in plant physiology, specifically differentiating between processes such as diffusion, osmosis, transpiration, and evaporation. It explains the mechanisms of water movement in plants, including the transpiration pull model and the ascent of xylem sap, as well as the unidirectional nature of xylem transport versus the bidirectional nature of phloem transport. Additionally, it discusses the pressure flow hypothesis for sugar translocation in plants, highlighting the importance of these processes for plant health and growth.

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8 views6 pages

Bio Phys

The document outlines key concepts in plant physiology, specifically differentiating between processes such as diffusion, osmosis, transpiration, and evaporation. It explains the mechanisms of water movement in plants, including the transpiration pull model and the ascent of xylem sap, as well as the unidirectional nature of xylem transport versus the bidirectional nature of phloem transport. Additionally, it discusses the pressure flow hypothesis for sugar translocation in plants, highlighting the importance of these processes for plant health and growth.

Uploaded by

h240516z
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SCHOOL AND ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

NAME BUNTHEIT KAYOWE

REG NUMBER H240516Z

COURSE CODE EEE 1201

PROGRAM ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

LECTURER VICTOR KUNO

YEAR 2024
1.Differentiate
(a) Diffusion and Osmosis
• Diffusion: The passive movement of molecules or ions from a region of higher
concentration to a region of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached. This process does
not require energy and occurs in gases, liquids, and solids.
• Osmosis: A specific type of diffusion where water molecules move across a
selectively permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration (higher water
potential) to a region of higher solute concentration (lower water potential). Osmosis is vital for
maintaining cell turgor pressure and overall plant rigidity.
(b) Transpiration and Evaporation
• Transpiration: The process by which water vapor is lost from plant surfaces,
primarily through stomata in leaves. Transpiration plays a crucial role in nutrient transport and
cooling the plant.
• Evaporation: The process where water changes from liquid to vapor due to heat,
occurring on any exposed water surface. In plants, evaporation contributes to the transpiration
process.
(c) Osmotic Pressure and Osmotic Potential
• Osmotic Pressure: The pressure required to prevent water from diffusing through
a semi-permeable membrane due to osmosis. It reflects the tendency of water to move into a
solution.
• Osmotic Potential: Also known as solute potential, it is the potential of a solution
to attract water via osmosis. A solution with high solute concentration has a more negative
osmotic potential, indicating a stronger pull-on water molecule.
(d) Imbibition and Diffusion
• Imbibition: The absorption of water by solid colloidal materials, causing them to
swell. This process is essential during seed germination, where seeds absorb water, swell, and
activate metabolic processes.
• Diffusion: The passive movement of molecules or ions from a high concentration
to a low concentration, not necessarily involving a solid. Diffusion is fundamental to processes
like gas exchange in leaves.
(e) Apoplast and Symplast Pathways of Water Movement
• Apoplast Pathway: Water moves through cell walls and intercellular spaces
without crossing cell membranes. This pathway allows rapid water movement but is interrupted
by the Casparian strip in the endodermis, forcing water into the symplast.
• Symplast Pathway: Water moves from cell to cell via the cytoplasm and
plasmodesmata, crossing membranes. This pathway allows selective transport of substances and
is crucial for regulating nutrient uptake.
(f) Guttation and Transpiration
• Guttation: The exudation of water droplets from plant leaves due to root pressure,
typically occurring at night or in high humidity when transpiration is low. Guttation helps relieve
root pressure but is not a significant pathway for water loss.
• Transpiration: The loss of water vapor through stomata, helping regulate
temperature and nutrient transport. Transpiration is the primary mechanism for water movement
in plants and significantly influences their water relations.
2. What role does root pressure play in water movement in plants?
Root pressure is a positive pressure generated in the roots due to osmotic absorption of water
from the soil. It helps push water upward through the xylem, particularly at night when
transpiration is minimal. Root pressure aids in maintaining water flow and contributes to
guttation but is insufficient for lifting water in tall trees.
3. Describe the transpiration pull model of water transport in plants. What are the factors
influencing transpiration? How is it useful to plants?

Transpiration Pull Model

The transpiration pull model explains how water is drawn up from the roots to the leaves. When
water evaporates from leaf surfaces (transpiration), it creates a negative pressure (tension) in the
xylem. Due to the cohesive and adhesive properties of water, this tension pulls water upward
from the roots through the stem to replace lost moisture.

Factors Influencing Transpiration


1. Temperature: Higher temperatures increase evaporation and transpiration.
2. Humidity: Lower humidity increases transpiration as the gradient between the leaf
and atmosphere is greater.
3. Wind: Wind removes the saturated air near the leaf surface, enhancing
transpiration.
4. Light Intensity: More light leads to stomatal opening, increasing transpiration.
5. Soil Water Availability: Low water availability reduces transpiration as plants
close stomata to conserve water.
Importance of Transpiration in Plants
• Water and Mineral Transport: Transpiration creates a negative pressure that pulls
water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the leaves.
• Cooling: The evaporation of water during transpiration cools the plant, protecting
it from overheating.
• Turgor Pressure Maintenance: Transpiration helps maintain cell turgor, essential
for structural support and growth.
4. Discuss the factors responsible for the ascent of xylem sap in plants.
Xylem sap is transported upward in plants due to several mechanisms:
1. Transpiration Pull: Water loss from leaves creates a negative pressure that pulls
water from roots.
2. Cohesion-Tension Theory: Water molecules stick together (cohesion) and adhere
to xylem walls (adhesion), aiding upward movement.
3. Root Pressure: Osmotic water absorption at roots pushes water up the xylem.
4. Capillary Action: The narrow diameter of xylem vessels allows water to rise due
to surface tension and adhesion.
5. Explain why xylem transport is unidirectional and phloem transport is bidirectional.
• Xylem transport is unidirectional because water and minerals move only from the
roots to the leaves, driven by root pressure, capillary action, and transpiration pull. Water is not
transported back to roots.
• Phloem transport is bidirectional as sugars and nutrients are transported from
sources (e.g., leaves) to sinks (e.g., roots, fruits, and growing tissues). The direction of movement
depends on where nutrients are needed.
6. Explain the pressure flow hypothesis of translocation of sugars in plants.
The Pressure Flow Hypothesis explains how sugars (mainly sucrose) are transported in phloem:
1. Loading at the Source: Sugars are actively transported into sieve tubes at source
tissues (e.g., leaves), reducing water potential. Water enters from xylem via osmosis, generating
pressure.
2. Bulk Flow: The pressure pushes the sugar solution through the phloem towards
sink tissues.
3. Unloading at the Sink: Sugars are actively transported out into sink tissues (e.g.,
roots, fruits), lowering pressure in the phloem.
4. Water Return: Water exits the phloem and returns to the xylem for reuse.

This mechanism ensures efficient sugar distribution to growing tissues and storage organs.

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