Transpiration Lab Essay

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What factors affect the rate of transpiration in plants? Introduction: In vascular plants, water is absorbed through the roots and carries nutrients to the leaves. Much of this absorbed water is used for photosynthesis. But a lot is lost through a process called Transpiration. Transpiration is the evaporation of water from plant leaves. The water when carried from the roots to small pores called stomata, it changes t vapor and is released to the atmospheric air. When the stomata remains open to permit the intake of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen, a lot of water is lost. Transpiration rate can be affected by temperature, humidity, sunlight intensity and availability, precipitation, soil type and wind. Dry environments mean dry leaves and soil therefore limiting water uptake and transpiration rates. The purpose of this lab is to determine the rate of transpiration in a plant by measuring the amount of water the plant absorbs. Hypothesis: I hypothesize that the heater and fan would have the most affect on water uptake by the plant. Materials: * Plant cutter * Ring stand * Clamps * Fan * Heater * Lamp * 8 plants * potometer Procedure: 1. Cut off a piece from each plant 2. Place the piece of plant in the potometer and leave for an hour 3. Place one appliance next to the potometer and leave for another hour 4. Continue until all appliances have been used Results: | Normal | With heater | With fan | With lamp | Rubber Plant | 4.9 mL | 6.8 mL | 8.4 mL | 4.3 mL | Weeping fig | 3.3 mL | 4.9 mL | 6.1 mL | 2.5 mL | Zebra plant | 4.2 mL | 6.1 mL | 7.6 mL | 3.2 mL | English Ivy | 1.8 mL | 3.2 mL | 5.1 mL | 2.1 mL | Coleus | .9 mL | 3.9 mL | 6 mL | 3 mL | Arrowhead | 3.6 mL | 6.6 mL | 7.5 mL | 4 mL | Devils ivy | 2.9 mL | 4.1 mL | 4.6 mL | 3 mL | Dieffenbachia | 4.1 mL | 6 mL | 7.7 mL |

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