Root hair cell Flashcards
root hair cell is a extension of
and its function
The root hair is an extension of the cytoplasm, increasing the surface area of the cell in contact with the soil to maximise absorption of water and minerals
Root hair to increase
surface area (SA) so the rate of water uptake by osmosis is greater (can absorb more water and ions than if SA were lower)
Thinner walls than other plant cells so that
water can move through easily (due to shorter diffusion distance)
Permanent vacuole contains
cell sap which is more concentrated than soil water, maintaining a water potential gradient
Mitochondria for
for active transport of mineral ions
Remember that chloroplasts are not found in these cells – there’s no
light for photosynthesis underground!