Water is transported in plants primarily through a process called the transpiration-cohesion-tension mechanism. This involves several steps:

1. Transpiration: Water evaporates from the leaves of plants through small pores called stomata. This evaporation creates a negative pressure, or tension, in the leaves.
2. Cohesion: Water molecules are cohesive, meaning they stick together due to hydrogen bonds. This cohesion allows water to be pulled up through the plant in a continuous column.
3. Tension: The tension created by transpiration pulls water up the xylem, which is a specialized vascular tissue in plants that transports water and dissolved nutrients.
4. Absorption: Water is absorbed from the soil by the roots. Root hairs increase the surface area for water absorption. Water then moves from the roots into the xylem, replenishing the water that has been pulled up to the leaves.

Capillary action also contributes to water transport in plants, but to a lesser extent than the transpiration-cohesion-tension mechanism. Capillary action is the ability of water to move up a narrow tube due to adhesion and surface tension.

The transport of water in plants is also influenced by environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and wind. For example, transpiration rates increase in dry, warm, and windy conditions.

For more information, you can refer to these resources:

• Water Transport in Plants - Biology LibreTexts
• Plant Transport Systems - Science Learning Hub