Describe an experiment to show movement of water through xylem .

Experiment to show absorption of water by roots:

1. Take a young leafy plant and put it in test tube containing water.
2. Put some oil drops in water such that it forms a layer at the surface to prevent evaporation of water.
3. Now record and mark the level of water in test tube.
4. The water level in a test tube goes down after some time indicating absorption of water by roots.

Experiment to show movement of water through xylem:

1. Take a balsam plants and cut its two leafy shoots under water such that entry of air bubbles are prevented.
2. Now remove about 2-3 cm outer ring (phloem) of stem in one shoot while keeping the central part intact.
3. Remove the central part (xylem) of same length in second shoot.
4. Now observe the two shoots after two days.
5. It is found that the leaves of first shoot remain turgid while in second shoot leaves wilt and droop down. This proves that movement of water has occurred through xylem and reached up to leaves..