Transpiration
The Leaf
Below is a cross section of a leaf, this is what you would see if you looked down the leaf towards the stem.
The guard cells control the entry of carbon dioxide through the stomata by opening and closing. Therefore they close at night - reducing water loss.
Shape
The long, thin shape of the leaf provides maximum surface area for receiving light.
Cuticle
The waxy cuticle on the top of the leaf protects it from the elements and also prevents water from escaping.
Palisade layer...
... cells have alot of chloroplasts (containing chlorophyll) in them - making the most of the conditions high in light
on the top of the leaf.
Veins
Phloem carry sugar and amino acids, and xylem carry water and mineral ions from the roots.
Transpiration
For more information on this subject see water in plants
Transpiration is the movement of water molecules through the plant. Up from the roots, through Xylem vessels and evaporationg out through the stomata in the leaves.
Certain conditions affect the rate of transpiration.
If it is warm, water is lost because of the increased movement of the molecules.
The wind will blow away molecules near the stomata.
Humidity will slow down water loss because the concentration gradient is small.