How does water flow through plants?

Labelling a jar with a celery stalk in it.

Method

Celery stems were placed into red coloured water for 24 hours. After 24 hours they were removed and carefully examined. Cross sections were taken throught the stems and observed.

Celery tops in jars with red coloured water.

Results

Blood shot celery The red stain shows up the xylem tubes.

As you can see from the picture (above left), the most striking change is that a red colouration has spread throughout the plants. The leaves hav e a conspicuous red tinge to them. Around the edge of the leaves red dye has accumulated highlighting the outline of each leaf. A cross section reveals a series of red coloured dots inside the stem.

Conclusion

Plants absorb water through their roots. The water is carried by a series of tubes called xylem. The xylem transport the water throughout the plant. Water can escape from the plant through tiny pores in the leaves of plants. These pores are called stomata. The process by which water moves through a plant is called transpiration.

For more information on transpiration try this site:

BBC Bitesize Green Plants as Organisms

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