Question

Concentration of mineral nutrient elements is higher inside the root-hairs than in the surrounding soil. How do roots take them in from the soil?

Answer 1

The concentration of mineral nutrient elements is higher inside the root-hairs than in the surrounding soil because the absorption of mineral elements from the soil involves active transport by the cells. As the concentration of ions always maintained greater inside the root hair water present in the surrounding soil moves into the roots by osmosis. This dilute solution of water and mineral salts, absorbed from the soil by the roots, can be used for food manufacture in the leaves, only if it can travel up to the highest points of the plant. This upward flow occurs through the xylem.