C. Absorption of water and minerals in plants

Question 1

What is the protective structure at the root tip of the plant ?

Answer 1

Root cap

Question 2

What happens when the root grows and pushes its way through the soil ?

Answer 2

Cells of the root cap are rubbed off and continually replaced

Question 3

Characteristics of the root cap ?

Answer 3

consist of several layers of cells

Question 4

What is the root surface covered with ?

Answer 4

Epidermis

Question 5

Characteristics of the epidermis ?

Answer 5

1. one-cell thick
2. made up of thin-walled cells
3. not covered with a cuticle
4. have extensions called root hair

Question 6

What is the function of root hair ?

Answer 6

Reach into spaces between soil particles to absorb water and minerals

Question 7

What is beneath the epidermis ?

Answer 7

Cortex

Question 8

Characteristics of the cortex ?

Answer 8

1. made up of several layers of thin-walled cells

Question 9

What is the function of the cortex ?

Answer 9

1. store food ( e.g. starch, grains )
2. allow water and minerals to move across the root

Question 10

What is in the centre of the root ?

Answer 10

the vascular bundle

Question 11

What does the vascular bundle consist of ?

Answer 11

It consists of two types of vascular tissues
1. Xylem
2. Phloem

Question 12

What is the function of Xylem ?

Answer 12

transport water and minerals

Question 13

What is the function of Phloem ?

Answer 13

transport food

Question 14

Name 4 adaptions of the root for the absorption of water and minerals

Answer 14

1. not covered by cuticle, one layer of thin-walled cells – water and minerals in soil can easily pass into the roots
2. highly branched, numerous root hair – increase surface area for absorption of water and minerals
3. root hairs are fine and long – reach spaces between the soil particles to absorb water and dissolved minerals
4. root hair cells contain many mitochondria – provide enough energy for the active uptake of minerals from soil