What is the process by which water moves into roots, through the trunk, and out of the leaf stomates as vapor?

The process described in the question is known as transpiration. This is the movement of water from the soil into the roots of a plant, through the vascular system (specifically the xylem) in the trunk or stem, and ultimately out through the stomata in the leaves as water vapor. Transpiration serves several critical functions in plants, including nutrient transport, temperature regulation, and maintaining turgor pressure within cells.

During transpiration, when water evaporates from the leaf's surface, it creates a negative pressure that helps pull more water upward from the roots through the xylem, ensuring a continuous movement of water and nutrients throughout the plant. This process is vital for maintaining plant health and promoting photosynthesis, as it aids in the delivery of essential minerals dissolved in the water.

In contrast, the other options refer to different processes: photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy; evaporation is the transformation of water from liquid to gas, but it doesn't encompass the entire journey of water through the plant; and condensation is the process of water vapor transitioning back into liquid form, typically observed in atmospheric conditions rather than within the plant itself.