What is transpiration?

Transpiration refers to the process where water vapor is lost from the surfaces of leaves, primarily through tiny openings called stomata. This loss of water vapor plays a crucial role in the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients from the soil. As water evaporates from the leaves, it creates a negative pressure within the plant, which helps to draw more water up from the roots through the xylem vessels.

This process is vital for several reasons: it helps in regulating the plant’s temperature, facilitates the uptake of essential minerals and nutrients from the soil, and maintains the flow of water throughout the plant. The water lost through transpiration is replenished by the uptake of water from the soil through the roots, making it an integral part of the plant's water cycle.