Describe a few strategies for the maintenance of high tissue water potentials. Assigned reading Purves et al. UV B light is absorbed extensively by plant compounds. The amount of light absorbed is usually done with an instrument called a spectrophotometer. Water in cells absorbs short wavelengths of light.
Visible light is absorbed by chlorophyll, carotenoids, xanthophylls, and flavonoids.
The proportion of water in the air compared to how much can be dissolved in air. The leaves have low water potential, but they rehydrate quickly. In the chaparral community of California, ocotillo makes new leaves 4 or 5 times per year. LAI maximizes in wet season. These responses are often quick.