Transpiration

Definition Transpiration is the evaporation of water from the aerial parts of plants. Of all the water a plant absorbs, over 95% is transpired to the air as water vapor.

What is this process called? Stomatal Transpiration What is most likely leaving through the stomata of the leaf picture here? Water (H2O) What is this process called? Stomatal Transpiration 3

Stomatal transpiration Cuticle Prevents water loss Mesophyll Site of photosynthesis Stomata Guard cells Openings allow gases and water to move in and out of leaf Open and close the stomata

Importance of transpiration Guard Cells What process involves using CO2 and H2O releasing O2 as a waste product? Photosynthesis What is the plant using this process to make? Carbohydrates-glucose If the plant needs water for photosynthesis, why is water coming out of the stoma? Guard Cells What goes out? O2 H2O CO2 What goes in? Stoma Closed Stoma Open Stoma

Function of Stomata These stomata (leaf openings) naturally allow water to evaporate out. Why would the plant close stomata with guard cells? Prevent excess water loss through transpiration. (conserve water) So what is the point of having stomata? Allows gas exchange for photosynthesis Guard Cells Stoma Open Stoma Closed Guard cells open by inflating with extra water. They do this by pumping K+ ions into the cell, which causes water to rush in via osmosis to diffuse the high ion concentration. 6

How do the guard cells react to the availability of water? Function of Guard Cells How do the guard cells react to the availability of water? Dry – guard cells CLOSE lots of H2O – guard cells OPEN http://www.ualr.edu/~botany/images.html 7

cells that open and close the stoma Guard cells: cells that open and close the stoma Stomata: openings in leaf’s surface; when open: GAS EXCHANGE: Allows CO2 in & O2 out of leaf TRANSPIRATION: Guard Cells Stomata 8

5. Characteristics of guard cells

The driving force of transpiration is the “vapor pressure gradient The driving force of transpiration is the “vapor pressure gradient.” This is the difference in vapor pressure between the internal spaces in the leaf and the atmosphere around the leaf Diffusional resistance comprises stomatal resistance and boundary layer resistance

Environmental factors that affect the rate of transpiration Light Plants transpire more rapidly in the light than in the dark. This is largely because light stimulates the opening of the stomata , Light also speeds up transpiration by warming the leaf .

Temperature Plants transpire more rapidly at higher temperatures because water evaporates more rapidly as the temperature rises. Humidity When the surrounding air is dry, diffusion of water out of the leaf goes on more rapidly.

Wind When a breeze is present, the humid air is carried away and replaced by drier air. Soil water A plant cannot continue to transpire rapidly if its water loss is not made up by replacement from the soil. When absorption of water by the roots fails to keep up with the rate of transpiration, loss of turgor occurs, and the stomata close. This immediately reduces the rate of transpiration. If the loss of turgor extends to the rest of the leaf and stem, the plant wilts.

Cells turgid/Stoma open Cells flaccid/Stoma closed Radially oriented cellulose microfibrils Cell wall Vacuole Guard cell Changes in guard cell shape and stomatal opening and closing (surface view)