What is transpiration in plants?

Transpiration is primarily the process that moves water through the plant, which is achieved through a combination of evaporation and capillary action. Water is absorbed by the roots from the soil and then travels upward through the plant's vascular system, specifically the xylem, to the leaves. Once in the leaves, water evaporates into the atmosphere through small openings called stomata. This loss of water vapor not only helps cool the plant but also creates a negative pressure that assists in drawing more water up from the roots, thus maintaining an essential continuous flow of nutrients and moisture throughout the plant.

This process is crucial for maintaining plant health and regulating internal temperature, and it also plays a significant role in the water cycle by releasing moisture into the atmosphere. Other options refer to processes related to nutrient uptake, growth, or oxygen release, which do not directly describe the mechanism and significance of transpiration.