Question

What are the significance of imbibition?​

Answer 1

Imbibition- Adsorption of liquid by any solid material is known as imbibition.

•We can say that this process occur exactly like as of diffusion.

•Water or any other liquid which is adsorbed is known as imbibate and solid adsorbent which cause imbibition or adsorption is called imbibant.

•A pressure is developed in the material due to imbibition and this pressure is called imbibition pressure.

•Dry wood is filled in the natural grooves of rocks and then watered. The rocks get broken due to the swelling of the wood. This method was used by prehistoric men.

•The classical examples of imbibition are adsorption of water by seeds and dry foods.

Significance of Imbibition-

•Absorption of water during the seed germination is initiated by imbibition and also breaking of seed coat during the seed germination is due to imbibition pressure.

•Seedlings emerge out of the soil into the open due to in Imbibition pressure.

•Water enters into the arerial roots by the process of imbibition.

Answer 2

Answer:

Imbibition is a physical process mainly concerned with the absorption of water by solid particles of a substance without forming a solution.    

Explanation:

• Imbibition can be defined as a phenomenon in which living or dead materials take up water or liquid mainly by adsorption due to the presence of hydrophilic (water-loving) colloids inside them through the submicroscopic capillaries present on their general body surface.

• Water or any other liquid which is adsorbed is known as imbibate and a solid adsorbent which imbibes water (cause imbibition or adsorption) is called imbibants.

• In plants, imbibition of water takes place by the constituents of cell walls and protoplasm such as carbohydrates, proteins etc.(hydrophilic colloids in the cell). They have a strong affinity for water.

• It is a special type of diffusion since the net movement of water is along a diffusion gradient.

• Example: When a piece of gelatin is placed in water, it swells up considerably.

• Similarly, sticking of wooden doors and windows occurs during the rainy season.

Significance of Imbibition:

• Imbibition plays a key role in the initial stage of water absorption by the aerial roots.
• Imbibition pressure develops due to imbibition. This imbibitional pressure helps in breaking soil profiles by germinating seeds.
• It helps fruits to retain water.
• The imbibition force is useful in adhering water to the walls of xylem elements.
• It also plays a key role in young and actively growing tissues.

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