Question

Define the following:

Root pressure

Answer 1

Osmosis

1. Osmosis is the passive diffusion of a fluid through a semipermeable membrane.
2. The flow of water molecules from their higher concentration area to a lower concentration area is referred to as osmosis.
3. The pressure required to stop the process of osmosis through a semipermeable membrane is referred to as Osmotic Pressure.

Root Pressure

1. Root pressure is a force or hydrostatic pressure produced in the roots that help in the upward movement of fluids and other ions from the soil into the vascular tissue (Xylem) of the plant.
2. Osmotic pressure in the root's cells causes this process.
3. Due to root pressure, water readily travels through the root tissues, but minerals do not (the root is a semi-permeable barrier).
4. According to the natural phenomena of osmosis, water molecules naturally move from areas of low mineral concentration to areas of high mineral concentration, and this flow of water into the root pressurizes it.
5. Root pressure is more prevalent in the springtime when the leaves are still developing and the rate of transpiration is high.