Investigation into factors affecting transpiration
Introduction
Transpiration is the evaporation of water from the leaves of a plant, which causes the uptake
of water from the roots. It is assumed that the volume of water taken up at the roots is equal
to evaporation from the leaves. In this investigation a freshly cut plant stem will carry out
transpiration. The rate of transpiration can be measured by the distance travelled by an air
bubble along a capillary tube in a particular time.
Apparatus
potometer
100 cm3 beaker of water
leafy shoot cut under water
clamp stand, clamp and boss
scissors
stopwatch
Vaseline
paper towel
bowl of water
Diagram of Apparatus
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Method
1. Immerse the potometer in the bowl of water and make sure the apparatus is full of
water with no air bubbles.
2. Put the cut end of the leafy shoot in the water, taking care to keep the leaves above
the surface.
3. Diagonally cut the last centimetre from the stem underwater.
4. With the potometer and stem still underwater, gently push the stem into the bung as
shown in the diagram. Make sure it is a tight fit.
5. Remove the assembled apparatus from the water and apply Vaseline to all the joints to
avoid air entering the apparatus.
6. Gently dab the leaves with the paper towel to remove excess water.
7. Clamp the potometer in an upright position with the capillary tube in the beaker of
water.
8. Remove the capillary tube from the beaker to allow an air bubble to form and then
return it to the beaker.
9. When the air bubble reaches the start of the scale begin timing.
10. After a set amount of time record how far the air bubble has travelled along the scale.
11. Repeat steps 8-10 twice more.
Analysis
1. Calculate the mean water loss per minute.
Risk Assessment
Hazard Risk Control measure
Scissors is
Cutting hand when cutting stem Cut away from hand
sharp
Some plants
exude sap Allergic reaction to sap Wear gloves
which irritates
Delicate
Cutting hand on smashed tubing due Use minimal pressure to push stem into
capillary tubing
to pressure of inserting bung/stem. bung and bung into tubing.
easily breaks
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Teacher/Technician notes
The setting up of potometers should be carried out as a demonstration or in advance by
technicians due to the delicate nature of the capillary tubing and the fact the apparatus
needs to be assembled under water. However, if students are to carry out the procedure
note the risk assessments.
Use the given method to introduce how to investigate transpiration. Students could
then be asked to plan an investigation into the effects of the following factors on the
rate of transpiration.
• Light intensity (Lamp)
• Temperature (Incubator)
• Wind speed (Fan)
• Surface area of leaves (Remove leaves one by one and repeat experiment)
• Humidity (Clear bags over leaves)
Different groups of students could be asked to plan investigations into each of the factors
above. They could be asked to identify independent and dependent variables and then
identify and describe how to control the other variables in the experiment and explain why it
is necessary to control them.
If home-made potometers are to be used the web link below leads to an excellent set of
teacher/ technician guidance notes on how to make them.
http://www.saps.org.uk/secondary/teaching-resources/1341-a-level-set-practicals-using-a-
potometer
The experiment could also be demonstrated or students could use the virtual experiment
below to test their predictions.
http://www.reading.ac.uk/virtualexperiments/ves/preloader-transpiration.html
Working scientifically skills covered
2. Experimental skills and strategies
Plan experiments or devise procedures to make observations, produce or
characterise a substance test hypotheses, check data or explore phenomena.
Apply knowledge of a range of techniques, instruments, apparatus and materials to
select those appropriate to this experiment.
Carry out experiments appropriately having due regard to the correct manipulation of
apparatus, the accuracy of measurements and health and safety considerations.
Make and record observations and measurements using a range of apparatus and
methods.
Evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements and further investigations.
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