Question

Why root pressure is absent in gymnosperms?

Answer 1

Root pressure:

1. It is the force that helps to drive fluids upward into conducting vessels i.e xylem.
2. It is developed due to osmotic pressure in cells of the roots.
3. It helps in transporting water from the roots up to the stem of a plant.
4. However, it can not conduct water up to long distances.

Gymnosperms:

1. Gymnosperms are perennial, vascular, seed-producing plants.
2. They are generally tall trees that produce seeds.
3. In such plants, seeds are not produced inside any fruits i.e the seeds are naked.

Root pressure is absent in gymnosperms because:

1. Gymnosperms are tall plants and root pressure would not be able to transport water up to the height of the plant.
2. Another reason is that Gymnosperms lack xylem vessels, leading to no root pressure.
3. Root pressure is thus not a feasible option for tall plants like gymnosperms for the transport of fluids.