How Does Cohesion of Water Molecule Help Plants?

Water is one of the most essential components for plant life. It is responsible for various processes like photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and cooling. The cohesion of water molecule plays a significant role in delivering these benefits to the plants. In this article, we will discuss how the cohesion of water molecules helps plants and why it is crucial for their growth.

What is Cohesion of Water Molecule?

Cohesion is the force that holds the same type of molecules together. In the case of water, hydrogen bonds hold the water molecules together. These bonds are formed between the positively charged hydrogen of one molecule and the negatively charged oxygen of the other. Due to these bonds, water molecules tend to stick to each other, creating a cohesive force. Cohesion is responsible for various properties of water that make it essential for plant life.

Cohesion and Water Transport in Plants

Cohesion plays an important role in the transport of water in plants. Plants absorb water through their roots and transport it through the stem to the leaves. The cohesive forces between water molecules create a continuous column of water in the plant's vascular system. This column of water helps to maintain the plant's structure and also facilitates the uptake of nutrients. Without cohesion, water molecules would not stick together, and the plants would be unable to transport water from the roots to the leaves.

Cohesion and Transpiration

Transpiration is the process by which plants release excess water vapor through leaves. This process helps to regulate the temperature of the plant and also helps in the transport of minerals from roots to leaves. Cohesion plays a key role in this process as well. The cohesive forces between water molecules help to maintain the water column in the plant's vascular system. As water molecules evaporate from the leaf surface, the cohesive force pulls more water molecules from the vascular system, creating a continuous flow of water. This flow of water helps to maintain the plant's temperature and also facilitates the transport of minerals.

Cohesion and the Surface Tension

Cohesion is also responsible for creating the surface tension of water. The cohesive forces between water molecules create an attraction that keeps water molecules together at the surface of the water. This property is particularly important for plants that live in wet environments. The surface tension of water helps to prevent the plant from drowning and also facilitates the absorption of nutrients from the soil. Without surface tension, water would not be able to adhere to the surface of the plant and would simply run off.

Conclusion

The cohesion of water molecules is essential for the growth and survival of plants. Cohesive forces create a continuous column of water in the plant's vascular system, facilitating the transport of water and minerals from the roots to the leaves. Cohesion also helps to maintain the plant's temperature through transpiration and facilitates the absorption of nutrients through surface tension. Plants have evolved to take advantage of the cohesive properties of water and have developed various adaptations to maximize water uptake and transport.