Which property of water allows it to move upward through the vessels of a plant?

• A. Capillary action
• B. Adhesion
• C. Surface tension
• D. Cohesion

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that water movement in plants is primarily due to a combination of properties: adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension, which together contribute to capillary action.
2. Adhesion refers to the attraction between water molecules and the walls of plant vessels. This property helps water molecules stick to the sides of the vessels, aiding upward movement.
3. Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules themselves. This property allows water to form a continuous column in the plant vessels, as water molecules tend to stick together.
4. Surface tension is the result of cohesive forces at the surface of a liquid. In plants, it helps maintain the integrity of the water column as it moves upward.
5. Capillary action is the process that results from the combination of adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension, allowing water to move against gravity through the narrow tubes of plant vessels.