Aim: To investigate the transpiration rate of a leaf by constructing a simple potometer Principle: In this experiment, the independent variable

is the time taken for transpiration to occur, while the dependent variable is the decrease in water level in pipette per leaf surface area. The controlled variable is the same leaf is used throughout the experiment. Transpiration is the process of losing water at the surface of the aerial parts of the plant in form of water vapour. It creates a pulling force that causes continuous upward movement of water and mineral salts. This force, called transpiration pull, is the driving force that draws water from the roots to the leaves. During transpiration, water in mesophyll cells of the leaf evaporates into the stomatal air space, and then diffuses out through the stomata. As water potential of the mesophyll cells decreases, water is drawn from inner cells, and then the xylem, by osmosis. When water is drawn from the xylem by mesophyll cells along the water potential gradient, water in the xylem is pulled up. Water in the xylem of the root and leaf forms a continuous and unbreakable column because xylem vessels are very narrow. Also, because of the force of cohesion between water molecules and the force of adhesion between water molecules and the walls of the xylem, the water column is continuous and can be pulled from the root all the way up to the leaves. This is known as the cohesion-tension theory. Because of the above mechanism, the amount of water uptake by leaf at fixed time intervals can be found by using a simple potometer. The amount of water uptake is resembled by the decrease in water level in the pipette. To calculate the rate of transpiration, the area of leaf has to be considered as well. Since transpiration takes place mainly at the stomata over the leaf surface, the greater the leaf area, the higher is the rate of transpiration. Thus, to investigate the rate of transpiration of the leaf, we have to take into account the leaf area. The rate of transpiration is expressed in ml water per minute per cm3 of leaf surface area. Assumptions: 1. The rate of transpiration is equal to the rate of water uptake. 2. The temperature of the surroundings, relative humidity, wind condition and light intensity is constant, so that they do not affect the rate of transpiration.

Procedures: 1. The pipette, rubber tubing and glass tubing were joined up tightly to form a Ushaped potometer. The connections of the apparatuses are sealed with paraffin films. 2. Through the opening of the glass tubing water was introduced to fill the potometer. 3. The petiole of the leaf was cut under water in order to avoid blockage of xylem by air. 4. The petiole was then inserted into the glass tubing under water. 5. The leaf was blotted dry with tissue paper. 6. The whole set-up was clamped firmly on a stand. 7. The water level in the glass tubing was adjusted by raising or lowering the pipette arm and a desirable water level in the glass tubing was marked and this was the reference point for subsequent measurements of the water content remaining inside the potometer. 8. The leaf was allowed to equilibrate for 5 minutes before the experiment began. 9. The initial water level inside the pipette was recorded and the time was noted. The decrease in water level in the pipette in a fixed period of time, i.e. 5 minutes, indicates the amount of water uptake by the leaf during that time interval. The experiment was carried out for a total of 30 minutes. 10. The amount of water uptake was measured by adjusting the height of the pipette arm so that the water level in the glass tubing was returned to the original mark and the reading on the pipette was then taken. 11. After the experiment, the leaf was removed and the area of the leaf (A) was estimated by tracing the leaf outline onto a graph paper and the number of squares counted. Area of leaf = 2 x A 12. A graph of decrease in water level in pipette per leaf surface area against time taken for transpiration is plotted. The rate of transpiration is found by from the slope of the graph. Precautions: 1. Cut the petiole under water to avoid blockage of xylem by air. 2. As humidity affects the rate of transpiration, the leaf surfaces should be blot dry to avoid changes in humidity around the leaf during the experiment. 3. Dont let the water level in the glass tubing fall below the cut end, otherwise blockage of xylem by air will occur, and the rate of transpiration will be affected.

4. Avoid any air bubbles from entering the simple potometer, otherwise air blockage may occur. 5. The exterior of the stem should not be tore apart.

Results: The table below shows the relationship between the decrease in water level in pipette and time taken for transpiration to occur. Time taken/ mins 5 10 15 20 25 30 Discussion: Sources of error: 1. Water is lost from the potometer by evaporation. 2. There is measurement error when taking pipette reading. Limitations: Improvements: Conclusion: The rate of transpiration is _____ml min-1 cm-2. Initial pipette reading/ml Final pipette reading/ml Change in water Total decrease level of in water pipette/ml level/ml