Transpiration : water from the water film on the cells near the stomata evaporates and

diffuses down the concentration gradient to the atmosphere

Transpiration pull : water moves out of the cells near the stomata to replenish water lost from
the water film in transpiration so the water potential of these cells decreases . Water then
moves into these cells by osmosis from the neighbouring cells . This creates a water
potential gradient across a layer of cells until it reaches the cells near the xylem . Water is
then drawn directly from the xylem to replenish the water lost from the leaf cells .

Adaptive features for transpiration :

1. Thin leaf blade : shorten diffusion distance
2. More stomata on the lower epidermis + little on the upper epidermis : prevent
excessive water loss by transpiration
3. Cuticle on the epidermis : prevent water loss

Water absorption through roots

1. The roots absorb minerals from the soil water by diffusion + active transport——>
lowers water potential of the root cells
2. Water moves into the root cells by osmosis through the cell and vacuole
membranes / diffusion through diffusion

Adaptive features of the root

1. Many fine root hairs —> increase surface area for water absorption + contact area
between the soil particles
2. Highly branched roots —-> increases surface area for water absorption
3. Roots are not covered by cuticle ——> allows water and minerals to pass through
easily

Apical meristem / vascular cambium : cells that actively undergo mitotic cell division ——>
for growth and repair
——> found at the root tips +in vascular bundles