Question

How the root system provides a large surface area for mineral ion and water uptake?

Answer 1

The 'extensive' branching of the roots and the growth of root hairs allows for the plant to increase its mineral ion absorption and surface area of water.

Answer 2

Plants take up water and essential minerals via their roots and thus need a maximal surface area in order to optimise this uptake

The monocotyledon root has a fibrous, highly branching structure which increases surface area for maximal absorption

The dicotyledon root has a main tap root which can penetrate deeply into the soil to access deeper reservoirs of water and minerals, as well as lateral branches to maximise surface area

The root epidermis may have extensions called root hairs which further increase surface area for mineral and water absorption

These root hairs have carrier proteins and ion pumps in their plasma membrance, and many mitochondria within the cytoplasm, to aid active transport

Transport in the Root System