Translocation and Transpiration
Translocation is the movement of food through the phloem vessels. These specialised tubes transport dissolved sugars from the leaves (where photosynthesis occurs) to the rest of the plant. The cell sap – a liquid mixture of water and sugars – moves through pores between phloem cells, providing energy or being stored for later use.
Transpiration is the evaporation of water from leaves, creating a continuous flow of water through the plant. This process, called the transpiration stream, pulls water and minerals up through xylem vessels, which are strengthened by lignin. Water molecules form a chain that's pulled upward as water evaporates from leaves.
Several factors affect transpiration rates. Brighter light increases photosynthesis, which increases water use. Higher temperatures give water particles more energy to evaporate. Air flow blows away water vapour, allowing more to evaporate. Humidity works in the opposite way – when air already contains lots of water vapour, the concentration gradient for diffusion decreases.
Remember: Transpiration and translocation work together – transpiration provides the water needed for photosynthesis, while translocation moves the sugars produced during photosynthesis to where they're needed in the plant.