2. movement of water and nutrients

Question 1

Water absorption by roots – the routes it takes

Answer 1

Apoplastic Route: Water moves between cells, along the cell walls and intercellular spaces, until it reaches the Casparian strip.
Symplastic Route: Water moves through the cytoplasm of cells, passing from one to another via plasmodesmata.
Transmembrane Route: Water crosses cell membranes repeatedly as it moves from one cell to another.

Question 2

root pressure

Answer 2

a secondary mechanism of water transport in plants, driven by the osmotic uptake of water due to active ion transport in the roots. While it plays a supporting role in water movement, especially under conditions of low transpiration, the cohesion-tension theory is the primary force for water transport in most plants.

Question 3

Guttation – hydathodes

Answer 3

Guttation is a physiological process that occurs in plants when water is expelled through hydathodes due to root pressure. It typically happens at night or during periods of high humidity and is a sign of high water uptake in the plant.

Question 4

Hydraulic redistribution

Answer 4

Hydraulic redistribution is a water management strategy in which plants move water through their root system from wetter to drier areas of the soil. This process helps plants maintain access to water during drought, improves nutrient availability, and benefits the surrounding ecosystem by sharing water with other plants and organisms

Question 5

Uptake of inorganic nutrients by roots

Answer 5

involves both passive and active mechanisms. Plants absorb macronutrients and micronutrients through specialized transport systems, influenced by soil conditions, pH, and water availability

Question 6

The role of phloem – source & sink relations

Answer 6

The interplay between sources and sinks ensures efficient distribution of sugars produced during photosynthesis to various parts of the plant, supporting metabolic processes, storage, and growth