Question

Explain root pressure. [3 Marks]

Answer 1

• Root pressure is a force or the hydrostatic pressure generated in the roots that help in driving the fluids and other ions from the soil in upwards directions into the plant’s vascular tissue – Xylem. This process is produced by osmotic pressure in the cells of the root. [1 Mark]
• Root pressure is more common during the spring seasons before the leaves develop and the rate of the transpiration is rapid. [1 Mark]
• The main contribution of the root pressure is to establish the continuous movements of the water molecules in the xylem which can be affected by the transpiration. [1 Mark]