Question

Root hair cells take up water from the soil. Explain one way in which the root hair cell is adapted to this function.​

Answer 1

Plants absorb water from the soil by osmosis. They absorb mineral ions by active transport, against the concentration gradient. Root hair cells are adapted for taking up water and mineral ions by having a large surface area to increase the rate of absorption. They also contain lots of mitochondria, which release energy from glucose during respiration in order to provide the energy needed for active transport.

The absorbed water is transported through the roots to the rest of the plant where it is used for different purposes:

it is a reactant used in photosynthesis

it supports leaves and shoots by keeping the cells rigid

it cools the leaves by evaporation

it transports dissolved minerals around the plant