Question

Give two examples of osmosis in plants and explain the importance of each in the life of the plant.

Answer 1

First we define osmosis, osmosis is spontaneous net movement of solvent molecule through a semi-permeable membrane from low solute concentration to higher solute concentration.

Photosynthesis

Osmosis is especially crucial to photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process of converting solar energy into chemical energy. Photosynthesis primarily occurs on plant leaves and requires carbon dioxide, sunlight and water. On every plant leaf there are many guard cells that protect the stomata. A stomata is a plant pore that lives on the plant leaf surface. Stomata are responsible for plant gas exchange which enables the process of photosynthesis. What does osmosis have to do with this? The guard cells have vacuoles that fill up with water and other fluids. During osmosis, the guard cells swell with water and the pressure triggers the stomata to open. When the stomata open they suck in carbon dioxide from the air which is then used in combination with the water from the roots and the sunlight absorbed in chlorophyll to produce plant energy. Plant energy is then used to feed and nurture the plant.

Roots and Osmosis

The roots of a plant are the plants lifeline. They reach out into the soil to establish an avenue for the transport of nutrients and water to the rest of the plant. The roots absorb water through osmosis. If the water concentration outside of the plant roots is greater than that of the water concentration in the roots osmosis occurs. The difference in pressure triggers the plant to bring in water through the root cell walls to create a pressure balance and thus providing necessary water to the plant. When a plant has adequate water uptake, it will flourish and grow.

hope it clarifies ur doubt dear friend ...