How Do You Spell TRANSPIRATION STREAM?

Pronunciation: [tɹanspəɹˈe͡ɪʃən stɹˈiːm] (IPA)

The spelling of "transpiration stream," a term in plant physiology, can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced /trænspəˈreɪʃən striːm/ with the stress on the second syllable. The "t-r-a-n-s" at the beginning is followed by "p-i-r-a" and pronounced with a schwa sound at the end of the first syllable. The second syllable, "t-i-o-n" is pronounced with a long "a" sound. The word ends with "s-h-u-n" and "s-t-r-e-a-m," both pronounced with a long "e" sound followed by an "m."

TRANSPIRATION STREAM Meaning and Definition

1. The term "transpiration stream" refers to the continuous movement of water through the xylem tissue of a plant, from the roots upwards to the leaves, flowers, and other aerial parts. It is driven by transpiration, which is the evaporation of water from the stomata present on the leaf surface, forming a gradient of water potential from the roots to the atmosphere.

   The process begins with the absorption of water and minerals by the root hairs of the plant from the soil, which creates positive pressure in the root cells. This pressure, along with capillary action and cohesion of water molecules, aids in the movement of water from one root cell to another. It then enters the root xylem vessels, forming a continuous flow through a network of interconnected cells, fibers, and vessels, consequently creating a pathway for water to travel.

   As the water molecules in the leaves evaporate through stomata, they create a pull on the water molecules below, which generates tension in the xylem vessels. This tension, combined with the cohesive forces between water molecules, allows water to be pulled upwards against gravity, resulting in a continuous flow of water from the roots to the leaves. This process is essential for plant survival as it supplies water and dissolved nutrients to the entire plant, maintains cell turgidity, and provides a cooling effect through transpiration.

   In summary, the transpiration stream is the process whereby water is transported through the plant from the roots to the aerial parts, sustaining the plants' physiological functions and growth.

Etymology of TRANSPIRATION STREAM

The etymology of the word "transpiration stream" can be broken down as follows:

1. Transpiration: The word "transpiration" comes from the Latin word "transpirare", which means "to breathe through" or "to evaporate". It is formed by combining the prefix "trans-" meaning "across" or "through" and the word "spirare" meaning "to breathe". In biology, transpiration refers to the process by which water vapor is released from plants through their leaves.

2. Stream: The word "stream" originates from the Old English word "stream" or "strom", which means "a current of water". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "straumaz" and has cognates in other Germanic languages.