Describe how the structural factors which affect the rate of transpiration.
Answer:
-Thick cuticle; increase the distance of diffusion of water vapour; hence reduces the rate of transpiration; thin cuticle reduces the distance of diffusion; thus increasing the rate of transpiration;
-Glossy/ waxy and shiny leaf surfaces; reflect light thus reducing internal heating of the leaf; thus reducing the rate of transpiration.
-Broad leaves; increase the surface area for water loss; hence higher rate of transpiration.
-Small and needle like leaves; reduce the surface area exposed; reducing the rate of transpiration.
-Hairy leaves; trap a layer of moist air on the surface of the leaf; reducing the concentration/ diffusion gradient; hence reducing the rate of transpiration.
-More stomata on the upper surface; exposes them to more direct sunlight; hence increases the rate of transpiration.
-Reversed stomatal rhythm; reduces the rate of transpiration;
-Sunken stomata; traps moisture in the sunken pits; reducing concentration/ diffusion gradient; thus reducing the rate of transpiration.
-Small stomatal apertures; reduce the rate of transpiration.
-Large sub-stomatal air spaces; increase the rate of transpiration.