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Importance of WaterLiqWater3D500.jpg (73924 bytes)

1] Water constitutes the large Central Vacuole in most plant cells. This accounts for approximately 90% of the Protoplast. Cytoplasm accounts for the remaining 10% and it also contains water.

Succulent organs have the highest water content (95%).

Woody structures have a  lower  water content (50%).

Seeds have the lowest water content (10%).

2] It is the most abundant and best Solvent in nature. It is the medium for major transport processes in plants.

It affects the structure of proteins, carbohydrates, & nucleic acids.

3] Water is the medium in which biochemical reactions occur in plants.

4] Water participates directly in some important biochemical reactions.
    The Oxygen we breathe comes from the splitting of water in Photosynthesis.

Water is continuously absorbed and lost by plants.

A leaf may loose 100% of its water content in one hour under dry, hot conditions.

A plant may loose its entire fresh weight 100 times during its lifetime.

5] Water evaporation is important for regulating Leaf Temperatures.

Transpiration is the process by which leaves regulate water loss.

Evaporation cools leaves and prevents them from overheating.

This may dissipate 50% of the heat from solar irradiation.

6] Essential Minerals like Phosphate & Potassium are transported throughout the plant in aqueous solutions. (Aqueous = water)

Water is the most limiting factor for agriculture.

It is also limiting for many natural ecosystems. The latter can be due to its absence (more typical) or its over abundance.

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