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• Water uptake – xylem structure, role of root hair, investigate pathway of water uptake

Question

Water uptake

  • Xylem structure
  • Role of root hair
  • Investigate pathway of water uptake
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Solution

Sure, here's a step-by-step explanation of water uptake in plants:

  1. Root Hair Role: The process begins with the root hairs of the plant. Root hairs are tiny hair-like extensions that come out of the root's epidermis and are used to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. They have a large surface area which allows for maximum absorption.

  2. Water Absorption: The water in the soil is absorbed by the root hairs through a process called osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of high concentration (in this case, the soil) to an area of low concentration (the root hair cells).

  3. Cell to Cell Movement: Once inside the root hairs, the water moves from cell to cell towards the center of the root. This movement happens through two pathways: the symplast pathway, where water moves through the cytoplasm of the cells, and the apoplast pathway, where water moves through the cell walls.

  4. Xylem Role: The water eventually reaches the xylem, a type of tissue in the plant that is responsible for the transport of water and nutrients. The xylem is made up of long, hollow, dead cells that form a continuous tube running through the plant.

  5. Transpiration Pull: The water is then pulled up the xylem due to a process called transpiration pull. Transpiration is the evaporation of water from the leaves of the plant. As water evaporates, it creates a suction force that pulls more water up from the roots.

  6. Water Uptake Investigation: To investigate the pathway of water uptake, you can use a simple experiment. Place a plant in colored water and observe the color change in the stem and leaves. This will show the pathway of water uptake from the roots to the leaves.

Remember, this is a simplified explanation. The actual process involves more complex biological mechanisms.

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