Ascent of sap

The ascent of sap in the xylem tissue of plants is the upward movement of water from the root to the crown. Although several mechanisms were proposed to explain the phenomenon, none of the theories were completely satisfactory. The most plausible theory is the (cohesion-tension). The theory received criticism however, due to its failure to account for the existence of large negative pressures in some living plants. The most recently proposed CP Theory favors a version of vital theory proposed by Jagdish Chandra Bose.

Additional recommended knowledge

Weighing the right way

How to quickly check pipettes?

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Other theories include:

• Vital theory
• Root pressure theory
• CP theory (The compensating-pressure theory)

In spite of some debate on the subject, the overwhelming circumstantial evidence strongly supports the cohesion-tension theory.^{[citation needed]}

References

• Xylem Structure and the Ascent of Sap, 2nd ed. by Melvin T. Tyree and Martin H. Zimmermann (ISBN 3-540-43354-6)

• "On the Ascent of Sap" by Henry H. Dixon and J. Joly. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. B, Vol. 186, pp. 563-576. (1895)

• "The Cohesion-Tension Theory" by Angeles G, Bond B, Boyer JS, Brodribb T, Brooks JR, Burns MJ, Cavender-Bares J, Clearwater M, Cochard H, Comstock J, Davis SD, Domec J-C, Donovan L, Ewers F, Gartner B, Hacke U, Hinckley T, Holbrook NM, Jones HG, Kavanagh K, Law B, López-Portillo J, Lovisolo C, Martin T, Martínez-Vilalta J, Mayr S, Meinzer FC, Melcher P, Mencuccini M, Mulkey S, Nardini A, Neufeld HS, Passioura J, Pockman WT, Pratt RB, Rambal S, Richter H, Sack L, Salleo S, Schubert A, Schulte P, Sparks JP, Sperry J, Teskey R, Tyree M. New Phytologist, Vol. 163:3, pp. 451–452. (2004)