2.55B: Understand How Water is Absorbed by Root Hair Cells

ROOT HAIR CELL: Specialised root cells of plants that absorb Water and Mineral ions from soil for plant growth

ABSORPTION OF WATER BY ROOT HAIR CELLS

Diagram showing Structure of Root Hair Cell

EXPLANATION: In the soil, there is high concentration of Water molecules outside the soil, and low concentration of Water molecules inside the root hair cell As a result, strong osmotic potential is established, enabling Water molecules to diffuse through the partially permeable membrane of root hair cells down the osmotic potential into the root hair cell Root hair cells are adapted for the absorption of Water molecules via osmosis by having large surface area to volume ratio, therefore increasing the rate of Water absorption Water molecules in root hair cell is then transported to Xylem for transpiration