potometer
Sign in to saveAlso known as transpirometer
thumb|Drawing of a Potometer A potometer (from Greek ποτό = drunken, and μέτρο = measure), sometimes known as transpirometer', is a device used for measuring the rate of water uptake of a leafy shoot which is almost equal to the water lost through transpiration. The causes of water uptake are photosynthesis and transpiration.
~4 min read
Article
7 sectionsContents
- Design
- Preparation
- Types of potometers
- Use
- Precautions
- Limitations
- References
thumb|Drawing of a Potometer A potometer (from Greek ποτό = drunken, and μέτρο = measure), sometimes known as transpirometer, is a device used for measuring the rate of water uptake of a leafy shoot which is almost equal to the water lost through transpiration. The causes of water uptake are photosynthesis and transpiration.
The rate of transpiration can be estimated in two ways: Indirectly - by measuring the distance the water level drops in the graduated tube over a measured length of time. It is assumed that this is due to the cutting taking in water which in turn is necessary to replace an equal volume of water lost by transpiration. Directly - by measuring the reduction in mass of the potometer over a period of time. Here it is assumed that any loss in mass is due to transpiration.