Introduction

Most people have heard of transpiration and translocation in plants, but few really know what they mean and what the difference is between them. In this article, we will delve world of plant physiology to better understand these concepts.

Perspiration

Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water in the form of vapor through small openings in their leaves called stomata. The stomata open and close in response to certain stimuli, such as dry air or the presence of intense sunlight. During transpiration, water moves from the roots of the plant through the tissues of the stem and leaves until it reaches the stomata, from where it evaporates. This process It is essential for the survival of the plant, since it allows it to regulate its internal temperature and maintain its turgor.

translocation

Unlike transpiration, translocation is the movement of substances dissolved in water through plant tissues. These substances can be essential nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, or products of metabolism, such as sugar. Translocation is carried out using a system of tubes called conductive vessels, which transport substances from the leaves, where they are produced, to other parts of the plant that need them, such as the roots or reproductive organs.

Differences and similarities

The main difference between transpiration and translocation is that the former involves the loss of water, while the latter involves the transport of substances dissolved in water. However, both are essential processes for the survival of the plant, since they allow maintaining an adequate water and nutritional balance.

Furthermore, both transpiration and translocation are influenced by several factors, such as luminosity, humidity, temperature and the presence of certain plant hormones. For example, the hormone abscisic acid acts as a regulator of transpiration, inhibiting the opening of stomata under conditions of water stress.

Conclusions

In conclusion, transpiration and translocation are two fundamental processes in physiology of the plants, which allow them to adapt to their environment and survive in adverse conditions. Although they have important differences, such as the loss of water in the case of transpiration or the transport of substances dissolved in water in the case of translocation, both are necessary for the correct functioning of the plant. Furthermore, its regulation is finely controlled by a series of internal and external factors, which ensure that plants can respond efficiently to environmental changes.

References

• Davies, W.J., & Zhang, J. (1991). Root signals and the regulation of growth and development of plants in drying soil. Annual review of plant biology, 42(1), 55-76.
• Marschner, H. (1995). Mineral nutrition of higher plants. Academic press.
• Taiz, L., & Zeiger, E. (2010). Plant physiology. Sinauer Associates.

Thank you for reading!

You may also be interested in this related content:

• Difference between reptiles and amphibians
• Difference between living beings and non-living beings
• Difference between centrosome and centriole