The rupture and fractionation do not usually occur in the water column in vessel/tracheids during the ascent of sap because of
- weak gravitational pull
- transpiration pull
- lignified thick walls
- cohesion and adhesion
Answer
(4) cohesion and adhesion
Solution
As per NCERT (cohesion–tension–transpiration pull model), water is held in the xylem as a continuous column.
Cohesion: mutual attraction between water molecules keeps the column unbroken.
Adhesion: attraction of water molecules to the polar surfaces of the tracheary elements (vessel/tracheid walls) keeps the column attached.
The water column does not rupture or break during the ascent of sap because of cohesion and adhesion (together with high tensile strength of water).
Answer: (4)