Factors for Plant Growth: Water, Transpiration, & Photosynthesis  

Key Concepts 

• Ecosystem 
• Biotic and abiotic factors 
• Types of ecosystems 

Factors for Plant Growth – Water 

Introduction: 

The plant needs water to survive. Humans are made up of approximately 70% water, but plants are closer to 90% water, and without water, plants become stressed and die. 

Explanation: 

Water is essential for plants as it helps in seed germination and absorption of nutrients. It nourishes the plants and hydrates them. Water breaks down and dissolves the minerals in the soil. When plants absorb water through their roots, they transport nutrients into cells. 

Water Affecting Plants 

What do you see in the image given below? 

 

The plant (A) looks wilted, whereas the plant on the right (B) looks healthy. Inadequate water causes wilting and drooping in plants. 

Too much water in a plant’s soil can cause the roots to rot, and the plant will be unable to absorb adequate oxygen from the soil. 

If there is not enough water for a plant, the nutrients it needs cannot travel through the plant, leading to yellowing or drying leaves. 

You can check the amount of water in the soil and ensure that there is the correct entry of water in a plant. 

One of the quickest methods is to just put your finger up to your knuckle in the soil, and if you find the soil moist, the plant has enough water; if it is dry, the plant needs to be watered. 

Plants Absorbing Water 

Plants absorb water from the soil through their roots.  

The water moves up through the plant to the leaves, carrying nutrients to all plant parts where they are needed.  

Roots 

• Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil. 

• They carry water and nutrients to the stem. 
• They store water and food for future use. 

 

Transpiration 

The water travels through the roots, up the plant’s stem, and into the leaves.  

The way that a plant does this is called transpiration. 

1. Water absorbed by roots. 

2. Water travels up through plant 

3. Water vapor lost from leaf pores in transpiration. 

Transpiration is the process of water movement through the plant and its evaporation from aerial parts such as stems, leaves, and flowers. It mostly occurs in leaves. 

Photosynthesis 

Plants don’t eat food as humans and animals do. They get their energy from the sun. 

Plants use water to make their food. 

The process by which green plants use sunlight to make their own food is called photosynthesis. It is necessary for plants. Without this process, there would be no green plants, and without green plants, there would be no animals. 

Photosynthesis requires water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide gas. 

Summary:

•  The plant needs water to survive.
•  The plants absorb water from the soil through their roots.
•  The water moves up through the plant to the leaves, carrying nutrients to all plant parts where they are needed.
•  Roots store water and food for future use.
•  Transpiration is the process of water movement through the plant and its evaporation from aerial parts such as stems, leaves and flowers
• Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to make their own food.