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Transpiration and translocation — KCSE Biology

KCSE Biology · 87 practice questions · 3 syllabus objectives

37 easy35 medium15 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Define transpiration and state factors affecting its rate

Distinguish transpiration from translocation

Transpiration and translocation

Sample Questions

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1
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

Identify how transpiration and translocation differ in terms of their role in plant physiology. (4 marks)

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Part (a) — 4 marks
Transpiration helps in cooling the plant and creating negative pressure for water uptake, while translocation distributes essential nutrients and energy throughout the plant. (1 mk)
Transpiration is crucial for maintaining water balance and turgidity in cells, whereas translocation supports growth and development by supplying organic materials to growing tissues. (1 mk)
Transpiration facilitates mineral uptake from the soil through water movement, while translocation ensures that photosynthates are transported from leaves to other parts of the plant. (1 mk)
Transpiration primarily occurs during the day when stomata are open, while translocation can occur at any time depending on the plant's metabolic needs. (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

Identify two key differences between transpiration and translocation in plants. (4 marks)

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Part (a) — 4 marks
Transpiration primarily involves the loss of water vapour from leaf surfaces, while translocation involves the movement of nutrients like sugars and amino acids. (1 mk)
Transpiration occurs through the xylem tissue and is unidirectional (upwards), while translocation occurs through the phloem and is bidirectional (from source to sink). (1 mk)
Transpiration is largely a passive process driven by evaporation, while translocation requires energy input for active transport of substances. (1 mk)
Transpiration mainly helps in cooling the plant and maintaining turgor, while translocation is essential for distributing organic compounds necessary for growth. (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

Define transpiration and state how light intensity influences its rate. (4 marks)

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Part (a) — 1 mark
Transpiration is the loss of water vapour from the aerial parts of a plant, primarily through stomata (1 mk)
Part (b) — 3 marks
Increased light intensity opens stomata for photosynthesis, enhancing transpiration (1 mk)
Higher light causes increased temperature, which also raises transpiration rate (1 mk)
At very high light intensity, stomata may close to prevent excessive water loss, reducing transpiration (1 mk)
4

Name three factors that affect the rate of transpiration in plants. (3 marks)

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