Introduction

Plants are essential for our survival, as they produce the oxygen we breathe and are the basis of the food chain. One of the most critical functions of plants is the transportation of water from the roots to the leaves, where it is used for photosynthesis. Adhesion and cohesion are two physical properties of water that play a vital role in the movement of water in plants.

What is Adhesion?

Adhesion is the ability of water molecules to be attracted to other substances. In plants, adhesion helps water molecules stick to the walls of the xylem vessels, which are the tiny tubes that transport water from the roots to the leaves. The walls of the xylem vessels are made of a substance called lignin, which is hydrophobic, meaning it does not interact well with water. However, the slight polarity of the water molecules allows them to adhere to the lignin, which creates a cohesive force that draws the water up through the plant.

What is Cohesion?

Cohesion is the tendency of water molecules to stick together due to their hydrogen bonds. In plants, cohesion enables water molecules to form a continuous column inside the xylem vessels. This allows water to be pulled up through the plant in a process known as transpiration. As water is lost through the leaves, it creates a negative pressure that draws water up from the roots. The strong hydrogen bonds between the water molecules prevent the column from breaking, which ensures a continuous flow of water from the roots to the leaves.

How do Adhesion and Cohesion Help Plants Move Water?

Adhesion and cohesion work together to help plants move water up from the roots to the leaves. Adhesion allows water molecules to adhere to the walls of the xylem vessels, which creates a cohesive force that draws the water up through the plant. Cohesion enables water molecules to stick together, which forms a continuous column that helps to move water up through the plant. The combination of these two properties allows plants to transport water over long distances, against the force of gravity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adhesion and cohesion are essential physical properties of water that enable plants to move water from the roots to the leaves. Adhesion allows water to stick to the walls of the xylem vessels, while cohesion enables water molecules to stick together, forming a continuous column that helps to move water up through the plant. These properties are essential for the survival of plants and the ecosystems in which they thrive.