Explain how structural features in terrestrial plants affect their rate of transpiration.

K.C.S.E Biology Q & A - MODEL 2011PP2QN07

Explain how structural features in terrestrial plants affect their rate of transpiration.

answers

 Plants in arid, semi-arid and desert habitats have leaves covered with thick/waxy cuticles; that are waterproof/impermeable to water; allowing for reduced rate of transpiration; Sunken stomata; in some desert/semi arid areas plants have water vapour accumulating in the pits; reducing rate of transpiration (as the moisture in the pit is  carried away by wind.) Most plants have few or no stomata on the upper surface of leaf; the fewer the stomata the less the water lost from the plant. Some plants have small stomata/stomatal size decrease when guard cells are flaccid; thus reducing transpiration rate. Plants with small/folding leaves; expose less surface area; hence reduce the rate of transpiration. Leaves with shinny surfaces; reflect light resulting
reduced leaf temperatures; thus reducing the rate of transpiration. Some plants have leaves covered with hairs/scales; which trap a layer of moisture;  the leaf surface reducing rate of transpiration. Mesophyte have a thin layer of cuticle; to facilitate high transpiration rate; brad lenses exposing large area to transpiration; Many stomata on both leaf surfaces provide many apartunes to enhance transpiration.