Explain the processes of translocation and transpiration in plants (6 marks)

Transpiration is the upward movement of water from the root to the cell. This happens in the xylem which is made of lignified cells. The flow is only in one direction and the movement of water is created by the evaporation of water at the leaves. The water evaporates from the stomata on the leaves. The upward pull of water is by capillary action due to the cohesion-tension theory. Translocation is the movement of organic materials such as sucrose from source to sink. This is often a movement of sucrose from the leaves to other areas of the plants. It is transferred through the phloem, which consists of living sieve cells and the sucrose can flow both ways.These two processes are essential for the plant to survive and continue to grow.