Overview

  • Light is the fuel what drives the water transport system. 
  • As light hits the plant cell a chemical reaction occurs in which sugars are made from the light and CO2 called photosynthesis. This could be thought of as the engine for the water transport system.
  • As photosynthesis occurs a gradient is created which creates a force in which water will travel from high water potential(the roots) to low water potential(the leaf).
  • This could not be possible however without the help of hydrogen bonding, cohesion, and adhesion which allow for the water to form bonds with itself and the walls of the xylem.

                                                                                                   

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