Adhesion

Definition

Adhesion refers to the tendency of different types of molecules to stick together. This property is crucial for many biological processes, especially because it allows for interactions between water molecules and other substances, playing a key role in various physiological functions. The ability of water to adhere to surfaces is significant in processes like nutrient transport in plants and in the overall movement of water through different ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adhesion enables water molecules to cling to cell walls and other surfaces, which is essential for processes like nutrient absorption in plants.
2. In plants, adhesion works alongside cohesion to create capillary action, allowing water to move upward from roots to leaves against gravity.
3. Water's adhesive properties are influenced by its polarity, allowing it to interact with various substances, including polar and charged surfaces.
4. The phenomenon of water climbing up narrow tubes is an example of adhesion at work, highlighting how it contributes to biological functions like transpiration.
5. Adhesion is crucial for maintaining moisture in soil, helping plants extract necessary water for photosynthesis and growth.

Review Questions

• How does adhesion contribute to the movement of water within plant systems?
  • Adhesion plays a vital role in the movement of water within plants by allowing water molecules to stick to the surfaces of plant tissues, such as xylem vessels. This sticking effect helps transport water from roots up through the plant against gravity. When combined with cohesion, which keeps water molecules together, adhesion enables capillary action that facilitates the upward movement of water, ensuring that leaves receive sufficient moisture for photosynthesis.
• In what ways does the property of adhesion influence plant nutrient absorption?
  • The property of adhesion significantly influences plant nutrient absorption by enabling water to adhere to root hairs and soil particles. As water clings to these surfaces, it helps dissolve nutrients and minerals, making them accessible for uptake by plant roots. This interaction not only supports the plant’s nutrient requirements but also enhances overall health and growth by ensuring that essential elements are readily available within the root zone.
• Evaluate how the combined effects of adhesion and cohesion contribute to transpiration and overall plant health.
  • The combined effects of adhesion and cohesion are critical for transpiration in plants, facilitating the movement of water from roots to leaves. Adhesion allows water molecules to cling to the walls of xylem vessels while cohesion keeps them bonded together as they travel upwards. This synergy creates a continuous column of water that can efficiently transport nutrients and maintain turgor pressure in plant cells. As a result, effective transpiration not only supports photosynthesis but also regulates temperature and contributes to overall plant vitality.

Related terms

Cohesion: Cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same substance, which helps maintain water's surface tension and allows for water droplets to form.

Capillary Action: Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without external forces, primarily due to the combination of adhesion and cohesion.

Transpiration: Transpiration is the process by which water vapor is released from plants into the atmosphere, facilitated by adhesion and cohesion in the movement of water through plant tissues.