Transpiration & Translocation — GCSE Biology Revision
Revise Transpiration & Translocation for GCSE Biology. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Organisation in OrganismsWhat is Transpiration & Translocation?
Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from leaves, which creates a continuous transpiration stream pulling water up from the roots. Translocation is the movement of sugars (produced during photosynthesis) from the leaves to other parts of the plant where they are needed for growth or storage, occurring in the phloem.
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). Understanding the factors affecting transpiration is a key area, often investigated with a potometer in practical work.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
On a hot, windy day, the rate of transpiration increases. Water evaporates more quickly from the surface of the leaves through the stomata. This increases the tension in the xylem, pulling the column of water up from the roots faster to replace the water that has been lost.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing transpiration with translocation. Transpiration is the movement of water (in the xylem), while translocation is the movement of food/sugars (in the phloem).
- 2Thinking transpiration is just water loss. While it is water loss, this evaporation is vital for pulling water and dissolved mineral ions up the plant from the roots.
- 3Forgetting that translocation requires energy. Moving sugars in the phloem is an active process, unlike the passive movement of water in the transpiration stream.
Transpiration & Translocation exam questions
Exam-style questions for Transpiration & Translocation with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Transpiration & Translocation
Core concept
Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from leaves, which creates a continuous transpiration stream pulling water up from the roots. Translocation is the mo…
Frequently asked questions
What factors affect the rate of transpiration?
The rate of transpiration is increased by higher temperature, stronger wind, and lower humidity, as these factors all increase the rate of evaporation. Increased light intensity also increases the rate as it causes the stomata to open.
Where does translocation move sugars to?
Translocation moves sugars from the leaves (the source) to areas of the plant that need energy, such as growing tips (meristems), flowers, and roots for storage (the sinks).