What is the process by which plants lose water through small openings called stomata?

The process by which plants lose water through small openings known as stomata is called transpiration. During transpiration, water vapor exits the leaf through these openings, which are primarily located on the underside of the leaves. This process is important for several reasons. It helps to regulate the plant's temperature and enables the uptake of nutrients and minerals from the soil, as water loss creates a negative pressure that helps draw water and dissolved substances up from the roots through the xylem.

Transpiration also plays a vital role in the water cycle, contributing to atmospheric moisture. It is a critical aspect of plant physiology, directly impacting plant health and growth. This distinguishes it from other processes like translocation, which refers to the movement of nutrients and sugars, and respiration, which is the process of converting glucose and oxygen into energy. Evaporation, although related to the loss of water, typically refers to the process of liquid turning into vapor and is not specific to plant physiology.