Question

Water present in soil is drawn by the roots of a plant through the xylem to the leaves of the plant. Plants like the large sequoia tree can draw water from the roots to the highest leaves almost 310 feet high without any pumping mechanism in the plant.
Which explanation best describes how this process is possible?

Answer 1

Transport of the water from the roots to the leaves is driven through the vascular tissue called xylem. Water gets absorbed from the soil by osmosis and it must cross several cell layers (filtration system) before entering the xylem. The method used in the upward movement of water through the xylem is determined by the cohesion-tension theory (capilarity+transpiration). The transport is passive and it occures thanks to the primary force that creates the capillary action (adhesion between the water and the surface of the xylem and cohesion between individual water molecules) movement of water. Transpiration is also an important factor in the upward water movement. Transpiration in leaves creates tension (differential pressure) and because of this tension, water is being pulled up from the roots into the leaves.