What are the physiological adaptions thst enable plants to reduce water loss from their leaves?
Opening and closing of the stomata. Stomata are structures on the bottom surface of the leaves. They regulate transpiration. They work by the movement of water into the guard cells that flank the stomata. Water moves in as a result of potassium ions being moved into the cells. Water follows the potassium. Hormones stimulate the movement of potassium. From a physiological standpoint… if water is limited the stomata stay closed…this prevents more loss of water. Also if the plant has plenty of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis the stomata close…preventing more water loss.
