TRANSPORTATION IN PLANTS

Question 1

What is water potential?

Answer 1

How ‘free’ the water particles are to move

Question 2

What is the water potential for a dilute(pure) concentration?

Answer 2

The molecules in pure water can move more freely so dilute concentrations have HIGH water potential.

Question 3

Define osmosis

Answer 3

The net diffusion of water across a partially permeable membrane, from a solution with a high water potential to an area of low water potential

Question 4

Explain the process of osmosis in plant cells

Answer 4

• ) If a cell has a higher water potential than the cell next to it
• )water moves from the first cell to the second cell
• )diluting the contents of the second cell
• )so the second cell has a higher water potential than the next cell
• )water continues to move down a gradient of water potential

Question 5

What is the function of the root hair cell?what is it adapted with

Answer 5

Main sites of water absorption by the roots.

Hairs, increasing the SA of the root epidermis

Question 6

Explain the process of the uptake of water by the roots

Answer 6

• )The soil has a HWP than inside of the cell
• )Allowing water to enter the root hair cell via osmosis
• )This water movement entering the root hair cell dilutes the contents of the cell
• )increasing its water potential
• )water is carried across the root cortex by a Water Potential gradient
• )enters the xylem and transported to all parts of the plant