entry of water and ions in plants

Question 1

how does water and mineral ions enter a plant?

Answer 1

the uptake of water molecules by osmosis dilutes the root hair cell’s cell sap. the cell sap of the root hair cell now has a less negative water potential than that of the adjacent cell. water molecules move via osmosis from the root hair cell into adjacent cells, and continue until water molecules enter the xylem of the roots. meanwhile, mineral ions are absorbed into the root hair cell by facilitated diffusion and active transport as the water potential of the root hair cell’s cell sap is less negative.

Question 2

what are some structural adaptations of a root hair cell?

Answer 2

1. larger vacuole than a normal plant cell in the leaves
2. elongated structure

Question 3

what are the functions of these structural adaptations?

Answer 3

1. increases surface area to volume ratio
2. ensure maximum storage of ions and water molecules