Question

All of the following statements about the role played by water in the growth of plants are true, except

• A. It is a solvent in which several substances are dissolved.
• B. It participates as a reagent in many reactions.
• C. It helps in the germination of seeds but does not provide turgidity to growing cells.
• D. It serves as the medium for transport of inorganic salts.

Answer 1

The correct option is C It helps in the germination of seeds but does not provide turgidity to growing cells.

Water, being the universal solvent helps in germination of seeds and provide turgidity to growing cells. Turgidity or turgidness, is caused by the osmotic flow of water from an area of low solute concentration outside of the cell into the cell's vacuole, which has a higher solute concentration. Healthy plant cells are turgid and plants rely on turgidity to maintain rigidity.

Refer the picture for turgidity in plant cells.

Role of water in plant growth:

• Primary component of photosynthesis and transpiration.
  
• Turgor pressure (pressure to inflate cells and hold plant erect).
  
• Solvent to move minerals from the soil up to the plant.
  
• Solvent to move products of photosynthesis throughout the plant, including down to the root system.
  
• Regulation of stomatal opening and closure, thus regulating transpiration and photosynthesis.
  
• Source of pressure to move roots through the soil.
  
• Medium for biochemical reactions.
  

Hence, the correct answer is option C.