Plants|2026 Latest Update with Complete Solution- American Military
University
THE EFFECT OF LIGHT INTENSITY ON TRANSPIRATION OF PLANTS
By
Kayla DeCarmo
29 June 2026
Biol 134 K001 Spr 26
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this experiment was to study the effect of different light
intensities on transpiration of plants. The plants were exposed to different
measurements of light over 15 minutes and repeated for three trials to
calculate the average rate of transpiration. The experimental trend
suggested light intensity did have an effect on the rate of transpiration. In
conclusion, as light intensity increases, so will the rate of transpiration.
, INTRODUCTION
Transpiration is the evaporation of water from plants (Kimball). It is a
complex phenomenon involving numerous physical, chemical and biological
processes (AGU). This phenomenon occurs during photosynthesis when the
stomas open for passage of CO2 and O2. An increase in the CO2
concentration gradient accompanied with an increased temperature may
reflect the activity of the enzymes active in photosynthesis (R.W. Downes).
This transpires as the sun warms the water turning it into a vapor that is able
to pass through the tiny pores, aka stoma, on the underside of the plant
leaves. The purpose of this is to cool the plant down and pump water and
minerals to the leaves for photosynthesis (Brawner).
Transpiration is influenced by various environmental factors to include but
are not limited to temperature, light and humidity (Muller, 1979). The rate of
transpiration increases on bright days and decreases at night. Increased
transpiration rates occur for two reasons (Muller, 1979). The first reason is
that the contact with light results in a rise in temperature of the leaves
resulting in the elevation of vapor pressure which leads to an increase in
water loss. The other reason is the direct correlation that light has on the
opening of the stomatal. Light increases the absorption rate resulting in the
opening of the stoma which increases the transpiration rate.
This case study will use light intensity as the independent variable and
study its effect on transpiration. Light intensity effects the process so that
more water is drawn into the leaves through transpiration where
photosynthesis primarily takes place and therefore the rate of transpiration is
greater. The focal question of this experiment is: How does light intensity
effect of the rate of transpiration? The information provided in this