MODULE - 2 Absorption, Transport and Water Loss in Plants

Forms and Functions of

Plants and animals

8
Notes
ABSORPTION, TRANSPORT AND WATER
LOSS (TRANSPIRATION) IN PLANTS
Water is the most important component of living cells. It enters the plants through
roots and then moves to other parts. It is also lost by transpiration through the aerial
parts of plants, mainly through the leaves. There are several phenomena involved
in the movement of water about which you will study in this lesson.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this lesson, you will be able to :
z define the terms permeability, diffusion, osmosis and plasmolysis;
z define and differentiate between the active and passive absorption;
z explain imbibition, water potential, turgor pressure and wall pressure, wilting;
z describe the pathways of water from root hair up to leaf;
z describe the mechanism of translocation of solutes in plants;
z explain the process and significance of transpiration;
z list the factors affecting the rate of transpiration;
z explain the opening and closing mechanism of stomata (potassium ions theory)
and list the factors affecting stomatal movement;
z explain the process of guttation and list the factors affecting rate of guttation.

8.1 FOUR BASIC PHENOMENA-PERMEABILITY, DIFFUSION,

OSMOSIS AND PLASMOLYSIS
8.1.1 Permeability
Permeability is the property of a membrane to allow the passage of the substances
through it. The plant cell wall is permeable because it allows both solvent and solute
molecules to pass through it. Cuticle layer is impermeable. All biological membranes
(cell membrane, mitochondrial membrane, nuclear membrane etc.) are selectively
permeable as they allow penetration of only solvent molecules but not the solute
molecules.
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8.1.2 Diffusion Plants and animals
If a can containing volatile substance, such as ethyl ether, is opened in a room, their
molecules will soon be distributed in the room until their concentration is the same
throughout the room. In other words, ether molecules diffuse into the air in the room.
Similarly the fragrance of incense sticks or agarbatti spreads from one corner of
the room to the other due to diffusion. Another example is placing a small crystal
of a water soluble dye (copper sulphate) at the bottom of a test tube and then
Notes
pouring water carefully over the crystal. Dye molecules will dissolve and the colour
will spread slowly throughout water, partly because of the movement of dye
molecules through the water and partly because of the movement of water molecules
into a region close to the crystal.
Thus diffusion is the intermingling of molecules of the same or different substances
as a result of their random movement. It is dependent on the difference in
concentration of molecules of different substances in the adjacent areas and this
difference is called diffusion gradient.
Diffusion is an effective method of transport of matter over short distances. For
diffusion to take place no membrane is required. If a membrane is present, it should
be fully permeable. The cell membranes are permeable to both gases CO2 and O2
and hence the two gases are able to diffuse freely (Fig. 8.1).

Water
molecules

CuSO4
molecule

Copper sulphate (CuSO4 ) crystal Diffusion of CuSO4 into water

Fig. 8.1 Diffusion of copper sulphate (CuSO4) in water.

8.1.3 Osmosis
Osmosis can be regarded as a special kind of diffusion of water molecules from
a region of their high concentration to their region of low concentration through
a semipermeable membrane (Fig. 8.2). In osmosis, the water molecules move, and
the presence of a semipermeable membrane is essential.
Experiment to demonstrate Osmosis
Experiment : To demonstrate the phenomenon of osmosis through plant membrane
with the help of potato osmoscope (Fig. 8.3)
Requirements. A large potato tuber, 10% sugar solution, beaker, water, scalpel, pin.
Method. Take a large potato tuber and peel off its outer skin with the help of scalpel.
Cut its one end to make the base flat. Now make a deep hollow cavity on the
opposite side. Pour some sugar solution to fill half of the cavity and mark the level

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Plants and animals by inserting a pin in the wall of the tuber. Put the potato in the beaker containing
a small amount of water and allow the apparatus to stand for some time. Make sure
that the level of water in the beaker is below the level of sugar solution in the cavity
of potato osmoscope. (Fig. 8.3)
Observation and Conclusion. The level of sugar solution in the cavity rises. It is
because of the movement of water molecules into the cavity from pure water in
the beaker. This experiment shows the phenomenon of osmosis.
Notes – Molecules of pure water
Semipermeable – Molecules of Sugar
membrane

Sucrose solution Movement of water from A to B

Pure water

Fig. 8.2 Osmosis - Movement of water molecules through

a semipermeable membrane.
Explanation. The living cells of potato tuber collectively act as differentially
permeable membrane (membrane which permits movement of certain molecules only
through it). The two solutions i.e. pure water in the beaker and sugar solution in
the cavity are separated by living cells of potato. Water molecules continue to move
through the cell-membranes, into the sugar solution till the concentration of water
molecules in the beaker becomes equal to that in the cavity of the osmoscope. If
sugar solution is taken in the beaker and pure water in the cavity, the result will
be reversed. The movement of water will not occur if the skin of potato is not
removed because the skin, being waxy, is impermeable to water.

Pin
Beaker

Potato

10% Surose solution

Water

Fig. 8.3 Experiment to demonstrate osmosis by using potato osmoscope.

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Difference between Diffusion and Osmosis Plants and animals

Diffusion Osmosis
1. Diffusion is the movement of a given 1. Osmosis is a special type of
substance from the place of its higher diffusion of solvent molecules
concentration to an area of its lesser such as water from lower
concentration, irrespective of whether concentration of solution to
separated or not separated by a higher concentration of solution Notes
semipermeable membrane. when the two are separated by
a semi permeable membrane.
2. The diffusion may occur in any medium. 2. It occurs in liquid medium and
The moving particles may be solid, liquid only the solvent molecules such
or gas. as water move from one place
to another.

If you place a cell in a solution, it may shrink, swell or remain unchanged on the
basis of relative concentration of water and solutes with respect to their concentration
in the cell. On the basis of which solution can be of 3 types:
z Isotonic solution has the same concentration of water and solutes as
inside a cell. Cell remains stable in isotonic solution or there is
no entry or exit of water from the cell.
z Hypotonic solution outside has lower solute concentration than inside the
cell. The cell swells as water enters the cell, through the process
called endosmosis.
z Hypertonic solution outside has higher solute concentration than inside the
cell. Water from cell moves out so the protoplasm of the cell
shrinks and collects in the centre of the cell, through the process
called exosmosis.
Osmotic Pressure and Osmotic Potential
When pure water is separated from a solution by a semipermeable membrane, pure
water tends to enter the solution by osmosis. Now the maximum pressure required
to prevent the osmotic entry of water in a solution even though the concentration
of water in the solution is low as compared to that in pure water, is called osmotic
pressure.
Imbibition
Before cooking chick pea or gram, it is soaked in water overnight. Next morning
the dry chick pea looks well swollen as it has imbibed water.
Imbibition in plant cells refers to the absorption and adsorption of water by
protoplasmic and cell wall constituents. Water is absorbed as a result of both
diffusion and capillary action. Imbibition is a process that accounts for only when
solid plant material (dry wood, dead or living air dried seeds) comes in contact with
water. In case of living dry seeds water is initially adsorbed by imbibition and
thereafter water entering into the inner tissues, is absorbed by osmosis.
Imbibition produces a large pressure, so much so that dry wood can even break

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Plants and animals a piece of rock in the presence of water. Because of imbibition, the wooden doors,
during rainy season, swell up and it becomes difficult to close the door.

Importance of Imbibition
z Imbibition is the initial step in the germination of seeds.
z It causes swelling of seeds and breaking of seed coat.

Notes 8.1.4 Plasmolysis

When a cell is placed in a solution, it will either shrink, swell or will remain
unchanged depending upon the concentration of the bathing solution or the solution
in which the cell is placed.
(i) When a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution i.e. when the concentration of the
outer solution is higher than the cell sap, water from the cell move out resulting
in shrinkage of the protoplasm in the centre of the cell. This phenomenon is known
as plasmolysis. The space between the cell wall and the protoplast is occupied by
the bathing solution as the cell wall being dead, is permeable to the outer solution.
(ii) When such a plasmolysed cell is placed in a hypotonic or dilute solution or
pure water, water moves into the cell causing the protoplasm to stretch and
get back to its original shape. This phenomenon is known as deplasmolysis.
The cell after deplasmo-lysis, becomes fully turgid.
(iii) When a cell is placed in an isotonic solution or a solution with similar
concentration as that of the cell sap, there is no change in the shape of the
protoplasm or the cell.
Plasmolysis is a physical phenomenon. A cell can become plasmolysed and
deplasmolysed depending upon the concntration of the outer solution in which
the cell is placed. No chemical change is caused to the cell. Plasmolysis is a
kind of defense mechanism against adverse (stress) conditions such as hypertonic
soil solution.

Cell membrane Cell membrane

Vacuole shrinks Reduced vacuole

Vacuole Cell
wall Water
Cell wall

Cytoplasm Nucleus
Water (Exomosis) (endosmosis) Increased turgor
Water leaves the cell water enters pressure
(ii) the cell on cell wall
Plasmalysis (iii)

Fig. 8.4 Changes in a plant cell when placed in hypertonic

isotonic (i), (ii) and hypotonic solution (iii).

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INTEXT QUESTIONS 8.1

1. Define diffusion.
............................................................................................................................
2. Give one point of difference between osmosis and diffusion.
............................................................................................................................ Notes
3. Name the process because of which crystals of KMnO4 added to water makes
it purple.
............................................................................................................................
4. If blood cells are placed in salt water what will happen to them ? Based on your
answer state if salt solution is isotonic, hypotonic or hypertonic?
............................................................................................................................
5. When does plasmolysis occur in plant cells?
............................................................................................................................
6. Name the phenomenon which makes it difficult to close a wooden door after
monsoon?
............................................................................................................................

8.2 WATER POTENTIAL

Water-Potential or chemical potential of water is the energy of water molecules or
tendency of water to leave a system or the ability of free water molecules to do
work or move. Water moves from a region of high water potential to a region of
low water potential.
Water-Potential of pure water is taken as zero. When solutes are dissolved in pure
water or in a solution some water molecules are used in dissolving the solutes thus
less number of the water molecules are available to do the work. Hence a solution
has less energy or potential as compared to pure water. The water potential of a
dilute solution is more than that of a concentrated solution. The value of water
potential of a solution is less than that of pure water or zero i.e. a negative number.
Water potential is designated by a Greek letter ψ (psi). Pure water has highest water
potential or ψ = 0 for pure water.
Water potential determines the water status in plant cells and tissues. The lower
the water potential in a plant cell or tissue, the greater is its ability to absorb water.
Conversely, the higher the water potential, the greater is the ability of the tissue
to supply water to other more desiccated cells or tissues.

8.3 TURGOR PRESSURE

Turgor Pressure is the pressure exerted by the protoplasm against the cell wall.
In a turgid cell, the turgor pressure is equal to the back pressure exerted by the
cell wall against the protoplasm. This back pressure exerted by the cell wall onto
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Plants and animals the protoplasm or the cell contents, is called as wall pressure (WP). These two
pressures are equal and opposite in direction (Fig. 8.5). When TP becomes more
than the WP the cell or will burst.
Turgor pressure is maximum when the cell wall cannot stretch any more. Such a
cell is said to be fully turgid. At this point a dynamic equilibrium reaches i.e. the
amount of water entering the cell is equal to amount of water leaving the cell.
Turgor pressure develops in the plant cells only because of the presence of cell wall
which is able to resist the pressure generated by the protoplasm due to entry of
Notes
water. It is a real pressure not a potential one and can occur to a great extent. In
case of animal cells, where the cell wall is lacking, the plasma membrane bursts if
the turgor pressure increases.
Turgor pressure plays a very important role in plants:
z Turgor pressure helps in maintaining the shape and form of the plant.
z The stems of herbaceous plants and the ones with non-woody tissues like maize,
sugarcane and banana are held straight by fully turgid cells packed tightly together.
z Turgor pressure holds the leaves in a flat and horizontal position by keeping
the mesophyll cells turgid.
z Turgor pressure helps in cell enlargement and consequently in stretching of the stems.
z Opening and closing of stomata is governed by turgidity and flaccidity of the
guard cells.
z Certain plants like bean and Touch Me Not plant- Mimosa pudica show quick
response of leaves due to change in light intensity or by touch stimulus followed
by changes in the turgidity of cells present at the bases of leaves and leaflets.
Turgor TP
WP
Cell contents
Cell wall exerts
exerts TP
Wall pressure (WP)
Pressure
Water moves into
the cell due to
Osmotic pressure
Fig. 8.5 A turgid cell showing osmotic pressure, turgor pressure and wall pressure.
Availability of water in the soil
The plants absorb water through the root hairs from the soil. The soil contains water
in three forms (Fig. 8.6)

Capillary water

Hygroscopic water

Gravitational water Soil Particle

Water Tuble

Fig. 8.6 Types of soil water.

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(i) Gravitational Water. It is the water that drains downwards through the soil. Plants and animals
The level to which it drains is called the water table. The water table of a place
differs in depth due to rainfall.
The gravitational water lies far below and is generally not available to plant
roots. It is of extreme importance as it causes washing out of minerals and
nutrients from the soil through the process called leaching.
Part of water that is retained by soil could be hygroscopic water and/or Notes
capillary water.
(ii) Hygroscopic Water. It is the water that is retained as a thin film around the
individual soil particles. Strong adhesive forces between the soil particles and
the water molecules hold this water tightly. This is the water least available
to the plant and is generally the water left in the dry soils. In the clay soils,
it amounts to about 15% and in the sandy soils, it amounts to about 0.5%.
(iii) Capillary Water. The soil particles always have very fine pores in between,
forming a very fine capillary system As the water spreads, it fills the finer pores
and is held round the soil particles by capillary forces against the force of
gravity, due to high surface tension of water. It is this water, which is readily
available and is easily utilized by the plant roots. The clay soil being very fine
textured holds much more water than sandy soil. When a soil rich in organic
matter, is watered, it retains good amount of capillary water and this condition
is known as field capacity.
8.4 ABSORPTION OF WATER BY PLANTS
z Major portion of water required by plants is absorbed by roots but in some cases
water may be absorbed by leaves and stems also.
z Root hair is a specially modified epidermal cell meant for absorption of capillary
water of the soil.
z The plasma membrane and the vacuolar membrane (tonoplast) act as
semipermeable membranes and water is absorbed by osmosis.
z Soil solution should have a higher water potential as compared to root hair cell,
then only water will enter the root hair cell. Once into the root hair, water will
pass into cortical cells, endodermis, pericycle and into the xylem vessel. The
movement of water is purely dependent on water potential gradient.
z Water movement into the plant follows two pathways – symplast and apoplast
(Fig. 8.7a).
z Cytoplasm of the entire plant is connected through plasmodesmata which are
the protoplasmic strands forming the symplast system. Water movement
through the cells take this symplast pathway by osmosis.
The cell wall and the intercellular spaces form the apoplast pathway which allows
water movement inside the plant by the phenomenon of capillarity and
adsorption.
z The water absorbed through the roots is transferred radially to the xylem, from
where it reaches to all the other parts of the plant body by vertical conduction
of water through the xylem vessels (Fig. 8.7b).
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Plasmodesmata Tonoplast

Notes
Vacuole Cell wall Cytoplasm
Apoplast pathway

Symplast pathway

Vacuolar pathway

Fig. 8.7a various pathways of water movement

Upper epidermis

Mesophyll
y = –30
Transpiration by leaves

Lower opidermis y = –300 Conduction by

xylem vessels
Air cavity Water vapour
through stoma

y = –10

Water
y = –1°

Xylem vessel
Soil Root Epibiema Cortex Pericycle
Endodermis
particle hair

Fig. 8.7b Diagram to show absorption of water bvy root hair, its radial transport to cortex,
and upward transport to leaves through xylem

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Conduction of water through the xylem Plants and animals

The content of xylem vessels is known as xylem sap. Various theories have been
postulated to describe the lifting of the xylem sap or ascent of sap in the xylem.
Root Pressure Theory
If a stem is cut few inches above from the ground with a sharp knife, xylem sap
is seen flowing out through the cut end. This phenomenon is known as exudation
Notes
and this is due to the positive pressure developed within the root system due to
continuous absorption of water by osmosis which develops a positive pressure
known as root pressure. This pressure can be measured and ranges from 3 to 5
atmospheres. But this pressure is enough to raise water to small heights in
herbaceous plants, but it does not explain rise of water in stems of tall trees that
are taller measuring 10 to 100 meters.
Physical Force Theory or Cohesion Theory
This theory takes into account the physical forces which explain uplift of water to
great heights in very tall trees. The three forces that act together are force of cohesion
(attraction between water molecules), force of adhesion (attraction between water and
lignocellulose walls of xylem) and transpiration pull which lifts the water column by
creating a tension inside the xylem vessel. Water forms an unbroken column starting
from the intercellular space of the leaf mesophyll to the xylem of the leaf, through
stem and root to the water in the soil. A water potential gradient exists between the
leaf to the root and transpiration causes a pull of the entire water column. So long
as the column is an unbroken one from the outer atmosphere, through the plant upto
the soil, water is lifted up by the force of transpiration pull.
Transpiration
Evaporation

Porous Pot

Water

Mercury

Fig. 8.8 Effect of evaporation and transpiration on absorption of water

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Plants and animals 8.5 TRANSLOCATION OF ORGANIC SOLUTES
Movement of organic and inorganic solutes from one part of the plant to another
is known as translocation, e.g. transport of sugar in sieve tubes of leaves to stem
or fruit.
There are experimental evidences to suggest that phloem is the tissue involved in
translocation of products of photosynthesis i.e. sugars.
Notes
Sugar is produced in photosynthesis in the leaves and then sent to all part of the
plants for the growth and development of the plant. Leaf is known as the “source”,
where the food is produced and all other parts of the plant which receive this food
is known as the “sink”. Sink can be root, stem, fruits and storage organs like tuber,
bulbs and, rhizomes. Thus unlike conduction of water in xylem which takes place
in one direction from the root to upwards in the aerial parts of the plant, phloem
translocation from a leaf takes place in all directions.
Mechanism of translocation
Sugar solution in the phloem sieve tube moves along the water potential gradient
created between the source (leaf) and sink (storage) cells
Here we find a mass movement of sugar solution from the leaf mesophyll to sieve
tubes of leaf, and then, to all parts of the plant.

Fig. 8.9 Mechanism of translocation

This model known as Munch hypothesis or Mass flow theory is most acceptable
model for phloem translocation.

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INTEXT QUESTIONS 8.2

1. Which part of the plant absorbs water and minerals?
............................................................................................................................
2. What are plasmodesmata?
............................................................................................................................ Notes
3. How does translocation occur in plants?
............................................................................................................................
4. What is the process of ascent of sap?
............................................................................................................................
5. Which are three different forms in which water is present in the soil?
............................................................................................................................

8.6 TRANSPIRATION
8.6.1 What is transpiration
The loss of water from aerial parts of the plant in the form of water vapour is termed
transpiration and, when transpiration is low and absorption of water by roots is
high, loss of water from leaves in the form of liquid is termed guttation.
Transpiration may occur through three main sites in the plant : 1. cuticle
2. lenticels and, 3. stomata.
(i) Cuticle : Cuticle is the waxy covering of the epidermis of leaves and green
herbaceous stems. Though it is meant to check transpiration, still about 10%
of the total transpiration may take place through fine cuticular pores, and he
process is known as cuticular transpiration.
(ii) Lenticels : Lenticels are areas in the bark of stems, branches and fleshy fruits
which are made up of loosely arranged cells that account for about 0.1 percent
of water loss. It is known as lenticular transpiration.
(iii) Stomata : Stomata are minute pores on the epidermis of leaves, or tender green
stems, whose opening and closing are controlled by guard cells. About 90
percent of water loss from plants takes place through stomata by the process
known as stomatal transpiration.
8.6.2 Mechanism of transpiration
Transpiration occurs in two stages :
(i) Evaporation of water from the cell walls of mesophyll cells into the intercellular
spaces.
(ii) Diffusion of this water vapour of the inter cellular spaces into the outside
atmosphere, through cuticles, lenticels and stomata, when the outside atmosphere
is drier.
8.6.3 Factors affecting transpiration
There are many external and internal factors that affect the process :
(i) Temperature : The increase in temperature increases the rate of transpiration
by increasing the rate of evaporation of water from cell surface and decreasing
the humidity of the atmosphere.
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Plants and animals (ii) Wind velocity : The increase in wind velocity increases the rate of transpiration
by removing the water vapour of the atmosphere and lowering the relative
humidity, around the aerial parts of a plant.
(iii) Light : Light has got no direct effect on the rate of transpiration but indirectly
it affects the rate in two ways, firstly by controlling the stomatal opening and
secondly by affecting the temperature. With increase in intensity of light rate
of transpiration increases because stomata get opened and the temperature
Notes increases.
(iv) Water supply : Deficiency of water supply in the soil decreases the rate of
transpiration by decreasing the rate of absorption. When the deficiency of water
in the soil becomes too much then the plants wilt and do not recover from
wilting unless water is supplied in the soils. This is known as permanent
wilting. When in a hot and dry summer day the plant transpires more causing
higher water loss by the leaves than the roots are able to absorb, even though
there is enough water in the soil, the plants wilt exhibiting temporary wilting
as the plant recovers from such wilting in the late afternoon or at night.
(v) Atmospheric pressure : Reduction of atmospheric pressure reduces the density
of external atmosphere thus permitting more rapid diffusion of water. Plants
growing on high altitudes will show higher rate of transpiration hence they
develop xerophytic characters.
(vi) Atmospheric humidity : Humidity means the amount of water vapour present
in the atmosphere. The diffusion and evaporation of water depends on the
vapour pressure gradient or the difference of water potential gradient between
the atmosphere and the inside of the leaf. More the difference more will be
the rate of transpiration.
Internal plant factors
Certain plant adaptations reduce transpiration
– Reduced size of the leaves, thereby reducing transpiring surface. Some xerophytic
plants have needle like or spine like leaves (Pinus and Opnuntia)
– thick deposition of cutin (wax like substance) on the leaf surface.
– stomata found sunken in the cavities surrounded by epidermal hairs as in Nerium
and Cycas.
– root shoot ratio, when there is more root and less of shoot system or leaves,
there will be more of transpiration. Root is the water absorbing surface and shoot
or leaves represent the transpiring surface; high root shoot ratio will cause more
transpiration.
8.6.4 Role of Stomata in Transpiration
Since most of the water is lost through stomata, plants regulate the degree of
stomatal opening and closing to reduce the water loss, with the help of guard-cells.
It has been seen that stomata show periodic opening and closing during the day
(diurnal variation) depending upon the heat and light, water content of the cell and
humidity. The stomata are generally closed during the night, and remain open during
the day in the presence of sunlight.
From early morning till midday, the stomata are open and hence the transpiration
increases till midday.
During the sunny mid-day, the stomata are closed and leaves get wilted to
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transpiration. From late afternoon till evening, the stomata are open again and hence Plants and animals
the transpiration increases. At night, the stomata are closed and hence the
transpiration is very low.
8.6.5 Stomatal-Apparatus
Structure of Stomatal-Apparatus
Each stoma represents a minute pore surrounded by two guard cells. Which in turn,
are closely surrounded by two or more subsidiary cells. The stoma acts as a turgor- Notes
operated valve, which closes and opens according to alternate change in the
flaccidity and the turgidity of guard cells and subsidiary cells. The guard cells have
unevenly thickened walls. The cell wall around stoma is tough and flexible and
the one away from stoma is thinner. The shape of guard cells differs in dicots and
monocots, though the mechanism remains the same.
Mechanism of Stomatal action
The opening and closing of stomata depends upon the turgidity and flaccidity
alternately in the guard cells and subsidiary cells. When the guard cells are turgid,
and subsidiary cells are flaccid, the stoma opens, and, when guard cells lose
water into subsidiary cells so that guard cells become flaccid and subsidiary cells
become turgid, the stoma closes. The mechanism of opening and closing of stomata
in dicots and monocots is as give below:
(a) The dicotyledonous plants have kidney shaped guard cells. The inner walls
around the stoma are thicker than the outer walls.
A. When guard cells → Guard cells expand → Tough inner walls → Stomata open
get distended by become convex
turgor pressure
B When the turgor → Guard cells sag → Inner cell walls come → Stomata close
pressure in guard closer.
cells decreases

Fig. 8.10 Stomatal action in Dicots.

(b) In monocotyledonous plants, the guard cells are dumb bell shaped with
thickened walls towards and nearest the stoma and thinner walls towards the
inflated region.
A. When the guard cells → The region with thin → The thick walls → Stoma opens
become turgid walls bulges and gets move apart
inflated
B. When the guard cells → The inflated part sags → The thick walls → Stoma close
lose water collapse

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Notes

Fig. 8.11 Stomatal action in monocot.

Changes in turgidity and flaccidity, alternately involving guard cells and subsidiary
cells, in bringing about opening and closing of stomata has been known for a long
time but the mechanism that leads to turgidity needs to be explained.
(i) Starch- Sugar Hypothesis
This hypothesis goes by the basis that the increase in sugar concentration due to
photosynthesis in guard-cells and hence endosmosis of water during the day leads
to turgidity of guard cells leading to opening of stomata and the reverse i.e. decrease
in sugar concentration followed by exosmosis leads to closing of the stomata at
night. The changes in guard cells during the day i.e. in light and at night in the dark
are as given below.
Reaction in Light Reaction in Dark
Utilization of CO2 during photosynthesis Accumulation of CO2 due to absence of
in guard cells photosynthesis in guard cells
↓ ↓
Drop in CO2 leads to increase in pH or Increased acidity or decrease in pH due to
protoplasm becoming alkaline formation of carbonic acid
↓ ↓
Conversion of starch into sugar Conversion of sugar into starch
↓ ↓
Increased concentration of solute Decreased concentration of solutes in guard
↓ cells
Endosmosis of water from subsidiary cells to ↓
the guard cells Exosmosis of water from guard cells to
↓ subsidiary cells
Increased turgor pressure of the guard cells ↓
leads to turgidity of guard cells accompanied Decreased turgor pressure in guard cells
by flaccidity of subsidiary cells leads to flaccidity of guard cells,
↓ accompanied by increased T.P. and turgidity
Stoma opens of subsidiary cells.
↓ ↓
A. Stoma opens during light Stoma closed
↓
B. Stoma closed at dark
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This theory can not explain stomatal movement where starch is absent in the guard Plants and animals
cells or guard cells lack chloroplasts and opening of stomata at night and closing
by the day in some plants like succulents (e.g. cacti).
(ii) Effect of potassium ions (K+) on stomatal opening and closing
It has been convincingly proved that the accumulation of K+ ions in guard cells brings
about the opening of stomata and loss of K+ ions from guard cells into subsidiary
cells brings about, the closing of stomata. Notes
During Day Light During Night/Dark
Accumulation of K+ ions by the Loss of K+ ions by the guard cells
guard cells
↓ ↓
Increased solute concentration Decreased solute concentration
↓ ↓
Endosmosis of water Exosmosis of water
↓ ↓
Increased turgidity Decreased turgidity
↓ ↓
Stoma opens Stoma closes
The uptake of K+ ions is balanced by one of the following.
(a) Uptake of chloride (Cl–) ions as anions. The subsidiary cells lack chloroplast
and take up Cl– ions as anions to balance the influx of K+ ions.
(b) Transport of H+ ions released from organic acids. In some plants the guard
cells contain starch, There is accumulation of organic acid like malate by
conversion of starch into malic acid in light. The organic acid dissociates into
malate and H+. Potassium reacts with malate to form potassium malate which
increases the solute concentration.
(c) Entry of K+ is balanced by exit of protons (H+).
(iii) Role of Abscisic Acid (ABA)
It has been observed that during water shortage in the soil or by intense solar radiation,
a plant hormone abscisic acid accumulates in the leaves leading to closing of stomata,
thus preventing an excessive water loss. Under experimental conditions also, when
abscisic acid is applied to the leaves, stomata get closed and check water loss.
8.6.6 Significance of transpiration
(i) Absorption of water. Transpiration pull influences the rate of absorption of
water from the soil.
(ii) Water movement. By transpiration, water moves upwards and as it passes into
the cell vacuoles, it makes the cells turgid. This gives a form and shape to the
cells and to the plants as a whole.
(iii) Mineral salt transport. The water stream moving upwards also carries the
dissolved minerals required for the development of the plant. Transpiration also
helps in distributing these minerals through out the plant body.

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Plants and animals (iv) Cooling. The evaporation of water during transpiration cools the leaves.
(v) Protection from heat injury. Some plants like Cacti retain water by reducing
transpiration. This saves the plants from high temperatures and strong sunlight.
Transpiration is a necessary evil
Stomata remain open during day time for the absorption of carbon dioxide and
release of oxygen for a very important process of photosynthesis. When the stomata
Notes remain open for this important gaseous exchange, escape of water vapour cannot
be controlled. Thus loss of water is a wasteful process which cannot be avoided
because stomata must remain open to do some thing more important that is
absorption of carbondioxide during day time for photosynthesis. It is for this reason
that Curtis in 1926 has referred transpiration as a necessary evil.
Factor affecting stomatal movement : Any condition which causes turgidity of
the guard cell will cause stomatal movement.
1. Increased Solute concentration of the guard cells, which will allow endosmosis
of water into the guard cells making them turgid.
2. Light causes photosynthesis in guard cell by the chloroplasts and hence
accumulation of sugar in the guard cells would increase concentration of solutes
in guard cells.
3. Entry of potassium ions from subsidiary cells into guard cells would further
increase solute concentration in guard cells.

8.6.7 Anti-transpirants
Many crop plants give poor yield in dry seasons, as the water lost by transpiration
is much more than the water uptake by the roots. The rate of transpiration can be
reduced by the application of certain chemicals known as anti transpirants. These
chemicals however, should not affect the CO2 uptake. The reduction in transpiration
is achieved by two means.
(i) Chemicals like phenyl mercuric acetate – PMA and abscisic acid –ABA cause
partial closure of stomata checking transpiration to some extent.
(ii) Some waxy substances like silicon emulsions form a thin film over the leaf and
cover the stomata without affecting the uptake of CO2.
Guttation. It is seen in early morning in the form of water-drops at the margins
or tips of leaves of herbaceous plants (Fig.8.12a). The plants in which transpiration
is low and the root pressure is high, the liquid water droplets are seen at the vein
ending.
– It occurs through specialized pores called hydathodes present near the vein
endings (Fig. 8.12b).
– It is quite common in young grass seedlings and in the tropical rain forests due
to warm and humid nights. Tomato and Nasturtium are some common
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Absorption, Transport and Water Loss in Plants MODULE - 2
Forms and Functions of
Hydathode pore Plants and animals

Air chamber
Epithem

Vein endings
Drops at
the vein ends
Xylem
Notes
Epidermis
(a)
(b)

Fig. 8.12 (a) Nasturtium leaf showing guttation at the margin of leaf
(b) A vertical section of a leaf showing hydathode.

8.6.8 Difference between Transpiration and Guttation

Transpiration Guttation
(i) Water is lost in the form of water (i) Water is lost in the form of
vapor. water drops.
(ii) Occurs through stomata, cuticle and (ii) Occurs through special pores,
lenticels. called hydathodes.
(iii) Occurs during day time and at high (iii) Occurs at night and early in
temperature. the mornings at low
temperature.
(iv) Water vapour lost is pure water and (iv) Water lost has substances
does not contain minerals. dissolved in water. It contains
sugars, salts and amino acids.
(v) Increased transpiration is physical (v) It is due to increased root
process (see cohesion physical force pressure that develops in the
theory) aerial shoot system when water
absorption by roots is more
and transpiration by aerial plant
parts is low.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 8.3

1. Name the pressure in guard cells responsible for opening and closing of stomata.
............................................................................................................................
2. Mention the shape of guard cells in monocots and dicots.
............................................................................................................................
3. Give a point of difference between a stoma and a hydathode
............................................................................................................................

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Forms and Functions of
Plants and animals

WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT

z The movement of water from one cell to another depends upon the water
potential of the cells.
z Water always moves from a region of lower solute concentration (higher water
Notes potential) to the region of higher solute concentration (lower water potential)
i.e. along the water potential gradient.
z A more concentrated solution has a higher osmotic potential (earlier termed
osmotic pressure).
z Osmotic pressure is expressed in terms of energy. Water always moves from
a region of higher free energy to a region of lower free energy.
z Water potential is the capacity of a solution to give out water. It is represented
by the word Psi ψ. It is affected by the solute concentration and external
pressure.
– ψ of pure water = zero.
– More solute means low water potential.
– A solution has lower water potential than pure water.
– Water potential of a solution is a negative number i.e. less than zero.
z Plants absorb water by their roots (mainly by root hair) from the soil through
osmosis. The increased water content inside the protoplasm exerts a turgor
pressure on the cell wall.
z The equal and opposite force exerted by the cell wall onto the cell contents
is termed as wall pressure.
z Water is present in the soil as gravitational water, hygroscopic water (least
available to the plant) and capillary water (most readily available to the plant).
z The water absorbed by root hairs flows to the xylem vessels mainly by the
apoplast pathway.
z The water moves up through the xylem vessels to the leaf along the water
potential gradient as explained by the cohesion- tension theory (most acceptable).
Transpiration or evaporation of water from the plant through stomata, causes
a pull and water moves up like a water column due to the force of cohesion
and tension created by transpiration.
z Certain plants show guttation due to high root pressure and low transpiration.
z Turgidity of guard cells is explained by the increased conversion of starch into
sugar and by the accumulation of K+ ions.

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z Various environment factors like temperature, light, wind, humidity and internal Plants and animals
factors like structure of leaf and root-shoot ratio affect the transpiration.
z Transpiration not only brings about ascent of sap but also has a cooling effect
and saves the plant from heat injury.
z When the transpiration rate exceeds the water absorption rate, it leads to
temporary wilting of the plant.
Notes
z When a plant undergoes wilting due to water deficit in the soil, it is called
Permanent Wilting.

TERMINAL EXERCISES
1. Name two types of passive absorption in plants.
2. In what ways diffusion is important to a plant ?
3. Name various factors that affect osmosis in plants.
4. Differentiate between turgor pressure and wall pressure.
5. Discuss the mechanism of stomatal opening in dicot plants.
6. Explain any four factors that affect transpiration in plants.
7. Describe an experiment to demonstrate osmosis by potato osmometer.
8. Discuss the cohesion tension theory for uptake of water in plants.
9. Describe the mechanism of translocation of solutes. Name the most appropriate
theory for the translocation of solutes in plants. Who proposed this theory ?
10. Differentiate between symplast and apoplast pathway of water movement in
plants.
11. Define transpiration.
12. Name the holes in the bark through which transpiration in the bark of old
trees takes place ?
13. Why is transpiration considered to be a necessary evil ?
14. Give one way by which desert plants prevent transpiration.
15. State one point of difference between transpiration and guttation.

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS

8.1 1. Movement of molecules from their region of higher concentration to the
region of lower concentration.
2. A semipermeable membrane is required for osmosis and not necessarily
for diffusion.
3. Diffusion

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Plants and animals 4. Water will move out from the blood cells and they will shrink.
5. When the cell is placed in a hypertonic solution.
6. Imbibition
8.2 1. Root
2. Cytoplasmic connections between plant cells
3. Through the phloem
Notes
4. Movement of water and minerals from roots to leaves, that is from the
ground to tip of plant.
5. Gravitational, Hygroscopic and capillary
8.3 1. Turgor pressure
2. Dicot : Kidney shaped
Monocots : Dumb bell shaped
3. Stomata – are pores on the leaf surface through which water diffuses as
vapour
Hydathodes – special pores in leaf margins through which water is lost
as water droplets.

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