Photosynthesis
- If light is the fuel for water
transport in plants, then photosynthesis is the
engine.
- Photosynthesis is "The
conversion of light energy to chemical energy by
photosynthetic pigments using water and CO2, and
producing carbohydrates"(Taiz. pg G-34).
- By taking in the light the plant
converts this energy into sugar. This causes a
build up of sugars causing a gradient in the
plant.
- This gradient is what propels
the water transport in a plant. Water will move
from high to low potential. "Pure water has the
highest potential" (DJ's Science Page). So the
roots have the highest water potential as it is
mostly pure water which causes the water to flow
down the gradient and up the xylem of the plant
to provide more water for the next light
reaction the plant makes for continued sugar
production.
- How is the water able to go up
the xylem even with the gradient? Hydrogen
bonding is key.
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