JAMB UTMEBiologyPlant Biology2023

Transpiration occurs through:

ARoots
BStem
CLeavesCORRECT
DFlowers
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning** Transpiration is the loss of water vapor from plant surfaces into the atmosphere. While water is absorbed through roots and transported via stems, **transpiration mainly occurs through tiny pores called stomata found predominantly on leaves** (especially on the underside). Think of it this way: leaves are the plant's "breathing and cooling system." Stomata open to allow carbon dioxide in for photosynthesis, but as a trade-off, water vapor escapes. This process is called transpiration. Over 90% of a plant's water loss happens through leaf stomata, with negligible amounts through stem lenticels or flower surfaces. **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **Roots** absorb water (the opposite direction!) — you might confuse absorption with loss - **Stem** transports water upward through xylem vessels — it's the highway, not the exit point - **Flowers** seem plausible because they're exposed, but they lack significant stomata for transpiration **Quick takeaway** Remember: **Roots absorb, stems transport, leaves transpire** — stomata on leaves are the main exit gates for water vapor in plants.
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