Describe briefly the three physical properties of water which help in the ascent of water in the xylem.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) $\Rightarrow$ In plants,the upward flow of water through the xylem due to transpiration is mainly dependent on the following three physical properties:
$\Rightarrow$ $1$. Cohesion Force: This refers to the mutual attraction between water molecules.
$\Rightarrow$ $2$. Adhesion Force: This refers to the attraction of water molecules to polar surfaces,such as the inner walls of tracheary elements (tracheids and vessels).
$\Rightarrow$ $3$. Surface Tension: This property describes how water molecules are attracted to each other in the liquid phase more strongly than to water molecules in the gas phase.
$\Rightarrow$ These properties provide water with high tensile strength (the ability to resist a pulling force) and high capillarity (the ability to rise in thin tubes). In plants,capillarity is further aided by the small diameter of the tracheary elements.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Will the ascent of sap be possible without the cohesion and adhesion of the water molecules? Explain.

Which of the following contributes most to the transport of water from the ground to the leaves of a tall tree? Or,the factor or process which best explains the rise of water from roots to the top of a tall tree is:

The breakage and fracture of the water column in the xylem during the ascent of sap is caused by ...........

Guttation is caused by which of the following?

Assertion $A$: In the process of ascent of sap,water rises as a continuous column.
Reason $R$: The cohesive force between water molecules is very high.
Which option is correct for Assertion $A$ and Reason $R$?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo