The rise of water in the xylem as an unbroken column depends mainly on
- A. the low viscosity of water
- B. the high density of water
- C. cohesion between water molecules caused by hydrogen bonding
- D. the fact that water is a poor solvent for gases
Explanation
Hydrogen bonds make water molecules stick to one another, so a column pulled by evaporation at the leaves does not break, and adhesion to the walls of the narrow xylem vessels supports the column as well. The same cohesion gives water its high surface tension, which lets small insects rest on a pond. Viscosity and density play no part in maintaining the transpiration stream.
Related questions
Water makes up approximately what proportion of the fresh mass of a typical living cell?
Sweating cools the body efficiently because water has a high
Ice floats on water, and this is biologically important because
Which property of water helps in moderating Earth's climate and maintaining stable temperature in aquatic environment?
Which property of water allows it to act as a temperature buffer for living cells?