The process by which plants absorb water is known as transpiration. Water uptake occurs primarily through the plant's roots, where it is then transported through the vascular system, especially the xylem, to various plant parts. Transpiration is crucial because it helps maintain the plant’s structure, aids in nutrient transport, and facilitates cooling. As water evaporates from small openings called stomata on the leaf surface, a negative pressure is created that pulls more water upward from the roots. This process not only helps in water regulation but also drives the movement of nutrients essential for the plant’s growth.