Question

Describe how properties of water contribute to the upward movement of water in a tree.

Short answer

The two main properties that help in the upward motion of water molecules in plants are cohesion and adhesion. Cohesion is the accumulation of close water molecules due to hydrogen bonding. This helps to create and hold the water channel.

The downward pull on water molecules is resisted by it as they adhere to the cell wall molecules and thus do not flow downward.

Step-by-step solution

Importance of water molecules

The existence of life and various phenomena in nature is made possible due to the presence of water molecules. They are involved in constituting the biological system and many environmental processes such as the water cycle.

Water is needed by almost all living beings for metabolic and physiological functions. They are required by the plants for multiple purposes, such as photosynthesis.

Movement of water in the tree

Plants obtain water from the soil, and the process is regulated by the roots. They penetrate deep into the soil and absorb the water molecules, which are then transported to differentparts of plants in an upward motion. Xylem is the vascular bundle in the plants that transports water.

The water transport in plants is against gravity as it occurs in an upward motion. This is possible due to two main properties, namely cohesion and adhesion, which is found between the water molecules.

Cohesion and adhesion in plants

When the water molecules are close to each other, the hydrogen bonding can hold them together; it is known as cohesion. When the water is evaporated from the leaves, a specific force pulls the water molecules upward. Due to cohesion, the water column within the cells is stable and gets pulled upward.

Adhesion is another essential property contributing to the upward movement of water in plants. The water molecules adhere to the cell wall and oppose the downward pull of gravity.