Biology Practical Assessment
How are leaves adapted to control water
Loss?
Leaves are made up of several different layers of cells, which are very complex. They all have different functions. Leaves differ from one plant to another. Some may be very large, while some may be small. There could also be a difference in texture, colour and shape. Some leaves may also appear more turgid, while others appear flaccid. Veins on a leaf may differ, some veins may be thick, and others may be thin. Finally width and thickness may change from one leaf to another.
A leaf looses water from the Stomata. This process is called Transpiration. To counter act this water loss plants must absorb water from the surrounding soil via its roots. Water enters the root as well as salts/minerals in a process call osmosis. Because there is less water at the top of the plant where the leaves are, there is less pressure. At the bottom of the plant, where the roots are, there is more water, therefore higher pressure; this draws water up the stem like a "straw", to distribute it to the leaves. This process is called Transpiration.
How are leaves adapted to control water
Loss?
Leaves are made up of several different layers of cells, which are very complex. They all have different functions. Leaves differ from one plant to another. Some may be very large, while some may be small. There could also be a difference in texture, colour and shape. Some leaves may also appear more turgid, while others appear flaccid. Veins on a leaf may differ, some veins may be thick, and others may be thin. Finally width and thickness may change from one leaf to another.
A leaf looses water from the Stomata. This process is called Transpiration. To counter act this water loss plants must absorb water from the surrounding soil via its roots. Water enters the root as well as salts/minerals in a process call osmosis. Because there is less water at the top of the plant where the leaves are, there is less pressure. At the bottom of the plant, where the roots are, there is more water, therefore higher pressure; this draws water up the stem like a "straw", to distribute it to the leaves. This process is called Transpiration.
