Association for Biology Laboratory Education

Water Transport in Plants: Anatomy and Physiology
 

Robert C. Hodson & John Acuff

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2006, Volume 27

Abstract

This investigation presents a condensation of two, 3-hour laboratory sessions. In one phase, we adopt a classic dye uptake experiment to determine the path of upward water transport in a detached shoot. Photography of stem thin sections taken with a digital video camera aided by compound and stereomicroscopes and a computer significantly enhance the presentation of observations and their interpretation. In a second phase, we determine the quantitative role of leaves in determining the rate of transpiration using a moderately priced, very sensitive and stable electronic potometer.

Keywords:  plant anatomy, plant physiology, xylem, transpiration

Virginia Tech (2005)