Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

What is the loss of water in vapor form from plant leaves called?

1. Oxidation

2. Transpiration

3. Respiration

4. Condensation

The correct answer is: Transpiration

The process described in the question is known as transpiration, which specifically refers to the loss of water vapor from the aerial parts of a plant, mainly through small openings called stomata located on the leaves. This process is vital for several reasons. It helps maintain the plant's temperature, facilitates nutrient uptake from the soil, and promotes the movement of water and nutrients through the plant's vascular system. Transpiration plays a crucial role in the water cycle, as water vapor released into the atmosphere can eventually contribute to cloud formation and precipitation. The other terms mentioned relate to different processes not specifically associated with the loss of water vapor from leaves. Oxidation involves chemical reactions that typically release energy, respiration is the process by which plants and animals convert oxygen and glucose into energy, and condensation refers to the conversion of vapor into liquid, which is the opposite of transpiration. Understanding these distinctions is key to grasping the functions of various biological processes in plants.