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Measuring Transpiration

A potometer is used to estimate transpiration rates by measuring water uptake, which is assumed to correlate with water loss through transpiration from leaves. To use a potometer, the leafy shoot is cut under water and inserted into an airtight potometer apparatus under water. The distance the air bubble moves in the capillary tube over time indicates the transpiration rate. Conditions like light, temperature, humidity and wind speed must be kept constant to obtain an accurate measurement.

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44 views3 pages

Measuring Transpiration

A potometer is used to estimate transpiration rates by measuring water uptake, which is assumed to correlate with water loss through transpiration from leaves. To use a potometer, the leafy shoot is cut under water and inserted into an airtight potometer apparatus under water. The distance the air bubble moves in the capillary tube over time indicates the transpiration rate. Conditions like light, temperature, humidity and wind speed must be kept constant to obtain an accurate measurement.

Uploaded by

qzc5jnhryr
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Measuring Transpiration

A _________________ is used to ________________ transpiration rates. It


actually measures water _________________, but it is assumed that this is
directly related to water loss by _______________ from the ____________.

Leaves uptake transpiration estimate potometer

How to use a Potometer

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce-4Q2NxiNE

1. The leafy shoot with a woody stem is cut under water at a slant.

2. The potometer is assembled under water, and the shoot is then inserted
under water.

3. The apparatus is removed from the water but the end of the capillary tube is
kept submerged in a beaker of water.

4. The apparatus must be watertight and airtight.

5. The leaves on the leafy shoot are dried, and time is given for the shoot to
acclimatise, then the tap to the reservoir is shut.

6. The capillary tube is removed from the beaker of water until one air bubble
forms then the capillary tube is placed back in the beaker of water.

7. The starting position of the bubble is recorded, the distance the bubble
moves over a period of time (30 mins/1 hr) is recorded.
8. Other conditions that affect transpiration rates must be kept constant.

Questions

1. The shoot must be kept underwater to;

a. allow air to enter the xylem.

b. prevent air from entering the xylem.

2. The shoot must be cut at a slant to;

a. increase the area for water uptake.

b. decrease the area for water uptake.

3. The potometer is assembled underwater so;

a. air can enter the apparatus.

b. air cannot enter the apparatus.

4. Why is it important that the leaves are dry?

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

5. What are the conditions you should keep constant throughout a control
experiment?__________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

6. If you were to investigate the affect of wind speed on transpiration rate how
would you do this?

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

7. What would you use to investigate the affect of; a. light intensity and b. heat
on transpiration?
__________________________________________________________

8. If I sprayed water into a clear plastic bag before sealing around a plant what
factor affecting transpiration would I be investigating? __________________
Answers

1. b

2. a

3. b

4. If the leaves are wet the rate at which transpiration takes place will
decrease.

5. The factors that affect transpiration; humidity, light intensity, temperature


and wind speed.

6. Place the apparatus in front of a fan.

7. i) a lamp

ii) a heater

8. humidity

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