transpiration aqa a level biology 2025

11

when it comes to transpiration do we need to know about the apoplast and symplast pathway because my teacher says you do but i don't think you have to for aqa?

Reply 1

Nitrotoluene

12

Original post

by gcsestudent459

when it comes to transpiration do we need to know about the apoplast and symplast pathway because my teacher says you do but i don't think you have to for aqa?

Your teacher makes a basic point about needing to understand the apoplast and symplast pathways when talking about how water moves in plants, even if the question is mainly about transpiration. AQA exam questions on transpiration frequently assess knowledge of factors affecting its rate and the cohesion-tension theory. Still, knowing those pathways is key to grasping how water is first taken up and moved to the xylem, which is what gets the transpiration stream going. It shows you really get how plants handle water.

Reply 2

gcsestudent459

OP

11

Original post

by Nitrotoluene

Your teacher makes a basic point about needing to understand the apoplast and symplast pathways when talking about how water moves in plants, even if the question is mainly about transpiration. AQA exam questions on transpiration frequently assess knowledge of factors affecting its rate and the cohesion-tension theory. Still, knowing those pathways is key to grasping how water is first taken up and moved to the xylem, which is what gets the transpiration stream going. It shows you really get how plants handle water.

so if a question was for example describe the transpiration stream would i include the apoplast, symplast pathway ? i haven't seen it on any mark schemes yet, or do you mean just to have a basic understanding i should know it ?

Reply 3

Nitrotoluene

12

Original post

by gcsestudent459

so if a question was for example describe the transpiration stream would i include the apoplast, symplast pathway ? i haven't seen it on any mark schemes yet, or do you mean just to have a basic understanding i should know it ?

The transpiration stream is all about how water moves from a plant's roots, up its stem, and out through its leaves. The main thing to remember is that water loss from leaves (transpiration) drives this process. Water molecules stick together (cohesion) and to the xylem walls (adhesion), which helps create a continuous stream of water. Water goes up through the xylem. Root pressure can help a little, but transpiration is what really makes it happen. Usually, we exclude apoplast and symplast pathways because they describe water movement "to" the xylem. But if the question is about water getting to the xylem, then include them!
In essence, transpiration acts as the main engine for water movement through the plant. Cohesion and adhesion are crucial supporting properties of water that enable this continuous flow. The apoplast and symplast pathways are involved in the initial uptake and transport of water into the root's vascular tissue.

Reply 4

gcsestudent459

OP

11

oh, in that case do you have any good resources which explain the apoplast symplast pathway because I really don't understand them and was just hoping it wasn't part of the spec🥲

Side note- Your font makes me feel like I'm getting told off by a teacher 🤣

Reply 5

Nitrotoluene

12

Original post

by gcsestudent459

oh, in that case do you have any good resources which explain the apoplast symplast pathway because I really don't understand them and was just hoping it wasn't part of the spec🥲
Side note- Your font makes me feel like I'm getting told off by a teacher 🤣

You don't need to feel scolded. I use italic font by habit, even when writing in pencil or pen.
Here, you will find everything you need to achieve clarity once and for all ==>Look at here: Apoplast and Symplast Pathway

Ciao,
Sandro

transpiration aqa a level biology 2025

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated