5. Significance of Photosynthesis and Transpiration

1. It helps plants grow strong and healthy.

Photosynthesis gives plants the energy and glucose they need to grow and develop. The glucose made during photosynthesis is used to build new cells and plant parts like leaves, stems, and roots. It also helps plants grow flowers and fruits.1 

2. It gives us oxygen to breathe.

While making food, plants also release a gas called oxygen into the air. We need this oxygen to breathe and stay alive!2

3. It keeps all living things alive.

Plants are at the bottom of the food chain. If plants didn’t make their own food, animals—including humans—wouldn’t have food to eat either.

There would soon be little food or other organic materials on Earth if photosynthesis stopped. Most of life would vanish, and eventually, the atmosphere on Earth would contain almost no gaseous oxygen3

4. It helps clean the air.

Plants take in carbon dioxide, a gas we breathe out. Too much carbon dioxide can be harmful, so photosynthesis helps keep the air fresh and clean.

Transpiration is the process where plants lose extra water through tiny openings in their leaves. Even though it may sound like plants are just getting rid of water, transpiration is very important for their health and for the environment!

1. Helps Move Water and Nutrients

Transpiration pulls water and nutrients from the roots up to the leaves and other parts of the plant. This helps plants stay hydrated and get the nutrients they need to grow.6 

2. Removes Extra Water

If a plant absorbs more water than it needs, transpiration helps get rid of the extra water. This keeps the plant’s water level balanced and healthy.6

3. Cools the Plant

Just like how we sweat to cool down, plants use transpiration to cool themselves when they get too hot.6

4. Supports Photosynthesis

By moving water to the leaves, transpiration helps plants do photosynthesis, which is how they make their own food.6

5. Helps the Water Cycle

Transpiration releases water vapour into the air, which becomes part of the water cycle. This adds moisture to the air and helps form clouds and rain.6

Fig. 5.2 Water Cycle

6. Affects the Environment

Transpiration changes the amount of moisture in the air. This helps some animals and plants survive better in certain places by keeping the right amount of humidity.6

Watch this video to know more about significance of transpiration:7