This deep dive covers Factors Affecting Transpiration Rate within Transpiration for GCSE Biology. Transpiration process, stomatal control, factors affecting rate, plant adaptations, measuring transpiration, and practical investigations It is section 5 of 20 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 5 of 20
Practice
20 questions
Recall
25 flashcards
Factors Affecting Transpiration Rate
1. Temperature
- Effect: Higher temperature → faster transpiration
- Mechanism: Increases kinetic energy of water molecules
- Result: More evaporation from mesophyll surfaces
- Doubling: 10°C rise can double transpiration rate
2. Humidity
- Effect: Lower humidity → faster transpiration
- Mechanism: Steeper water vapor concentration gradient
- Gradient: Leaf interior (100% humidity) vs dry air (low %)
- Desert conditions: Very low humidity drives rapid water loss
3. Wind/Air Movement
- Effect: More wind → faster transpiration
- Mechanism: Removes water vapor from leaf surface
- Boundary layer: Wind disrupts humid air layer around leaf
- Maintains gradient: Prevents saturation near stomata
4. Light Intensity
- Effect: Brighter light → faster transpiration
- Mechanism: Light causes stomata to open for photosynthesis
- Day/night: Most transpiration during daylight hours
- Wavelength: Blue light most effective at opening stomata
5. Water Availability
- Soil water: Dry soil reduces water uptake and transpiration
- Feedback: Water stress causes stomatal closure
- Wilting point: When transpiration exceeds uptake