Verified Solution Science Life Processes

In an experiment, if a plant is defoliated (leaves removed), how would this immediately affect the rate of water absorption by its roots?

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Solution ✔ Verified
  • AThe rate of water absorption would increase due to higher root pressure.
  • BThe rate of water absorption would decrease significantly due to reduced transpiration pull.
  • CThe rate of water absorption would remain unchanged as roots absorb water independently.
  • DThe rate of water absorption would stop completely.
Explanation

The primary driving force for water absorption and upward movement in plants is transpiration pull, which is created by the evaporation of water from leaves. Removing leaves (defoliation) eliminates this pull, significantly decreasing the rate of water absorption by the roots.

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