Describe the difference between cohesion and adhesion, and how they combine to allow water to move

upward in plants.



What will be an ideal response?


Cohesion is the resistance of a molecule to separate, where adhesion is the ability of molecules to stick
to surfaces. Cohesion in water is the resistance to separate due to the hydrogen-bond lattice. Adhesion
in water is the ability of hydrogen bonds to form with charged and polar groups associated with
surfaces. A water column in a plant is a result of cohesion – water molecules being held together – and
maintained by water adhering to the walls of the water conducting tissue (xylem).

Biology & Microbiology

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