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Describe the process by which water ascends in the xylem due to a transpiration pull that draws a column of water molecules, which are held together by attractive forces.

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Cambridge IGCSE BiologyTransport in plantsSupplement content

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Describe the process by which water ascends in the xylem due to a transpiration pull that draws a column of water molecules, which are held together by attractive forces

This point belongs to Transpiration, especially Transpiration outcomes.
You need to be able to describe the process by which water ascends in the xylem due to a transpiration pull that draws a column of water molecules, which are held together by attractive forces.
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Explain

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Paper 4 structured question: Transpiration

Paper 4Theory (Extended)4 marks

Diagram Description

Diagram of water movement in a plant

The diagram shows water molecules moving upward through xylem vessels from the roots to the leaves. Water evaporates from the leaf surfaces, creating a pulling force.

Step	Process
1	Water evaporates from the leaf surfaces.
2	A pulling force called transpiration pull is created.
3	Water molecules stick together by cohesion.
4	A continuous column of water is pulled up through the xylem.

a
Explain how water moves upward in the xylem due to transpiration pull and cohesion.
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[4]

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Clarify how the loss of water vapor is connected to the large internal surface area from the air spaces between mesophyll cells and the size and number of stomata.
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Discuss how varying factors such as temperature, wind speed, and humidity influence the rate of transpiration.
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