Plants: Problems with Water

Synopsis: When does biology seem to outstrip simple physics? Ordinary air pressure can only raise a column of water up ten metres, but a giant redwood tree can raise it more than 100 metres. The film demonstrates how plants can transport water against the pull of gravity; it explores the structural adaptations to aid water movement in the face of various problems. In order to transport water, plants must lose a considerable amount from their surfaces. In environments where water is at a premium, such as deserts or cold exposed habitats, this is a problem. The example shown is a high altitude desert in Hawaii where the silver sword plant has found its own solution.
Series: Biology: Form and Function, Course S203
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 24 min.
Year of production: 1991
Availability: Off-air recording licence
Sale; 1998 sale: £145.00 (+VAT +p&p)
Subjects: Biology
Keywords: physiology - plant; plants; water transport

Producer

Aileen Llewellyn

Cast

Irene Ridge

Name: Open University Worldwide
Web: http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window
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Address: Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
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Notes: NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk

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