# Explain why a plant begins to wilt when the rate of transpiration is greater than the rate of water uptake by the roots.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 8.1 Xylem and phloem · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Excess water is lost from the plant via transpiration / more water leaves the plant than enters
2. Water moves out of the cells (by osmosis)
3. Turgor pressure / turgidity of cells decreases
4. The cells can no longer support the non-woody structures of the plant, causing wilting

## Key terms

- [transpiration](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/transpiration)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-plant-begins-to-7daad09b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.