B1.5 Specialisation In Root Cells

Question 1

Give 3 adaptations for root hair cells:

Answer 1

• They greatly increase the surface area available for water to move into the cell
• They have a large permanent vacuole
• They have many mitochondria

Question 2

Give the 2 adaptations for xylem cells:

Answer 2

• they are alive when they are first formed but when the cells die they form long hollow tubes that allow water and mineral ions to move easily through them
• the spirals and rings of lignin in the xylem cells make them very strong and help them withstand the pressure water moving up the plant

Question 3

Give the 2 adaptations of pholem cells:

Answer 3

• the cell walls between the cells break down to form special sieve plates, allowing water to move freely around the cell
• pholem cells lose a lot of their internal structures but they are supported by companion cells that help keep them alive.