Of what value to a plant is the ability to lose water through transpiration?

When plants lose water through transpiration..?

• What are the advantages to the plant?

• Answer:

  As water is lost through the stomata the water column is pulled up through the xylem from the roots to the leaves . When a leaf's guard cells shrink, its stomata open, and water is lost. This process is called transpiration. In turn, more water is pulled through the plant from the roots. The rate of transpiration is directly related to whether stomata are open or closed. Stomata account for only 1 percent of a leaf's surface but 90 percent of the water transpired. Transpiration is a necessary process and uses about 90 percent of the water that enters a plant's roots. The other 10 percent is used in chemical reactions and in plant tissues. Transpiration is responsible for several things: Transporting minerals from the soil throughout the plant. Cooling the plant through evaporation. Moving sugars and plant chemicals. Maintaining turgor pressure. The amount and rate of water loss depends on factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind or air movement. Transpiration often is greatest in hot, dry (low relative humidity), windy weather. Transpiration is often called 'Anecessary evil