1. Root Absorption: The roots absorb water from the soil through tiny root hairs. These hairs increase the surface area for absorption.
2. Xylem: The absorbed water then travels through specialized plant tissue called xylem. Xylem is like a network of tubes that run throughout the plant, from the roots up to the leaves.
3. Capillary Action & Root Pressure: Water moves up the xylem due to a combination of forces:
* Capillary action: The narrow xylem tubes create a strong attraction between the water molecules and the xylem walls, pulling the water upwards.
* Root pressure: The roots actively pump water into the xylem, generating pressure that pushes the water upwards.
4. Transpiration: As water reaches the leaves, it evaporates from the surface of the leaves through tiny pores called stomata. This evaporation creates a pulling force that draws more water up from the roots, much like sucking on a straw.
5. Cohesion & Adhesion: The water molecules stick together (cohesion) and to the xylem walls (adhesion), forming a continuous column that helps maintain the flow.
In summary: Water travels from the roots to the stem through a combination of physical forces (capillary action, root pressure) and a biological process (transpiration) that creates a continuous flow of water throughout the plant.
