Question

For diffusion or osmosis to take place in root cells, ___ is essential.

• A. solute
• B. solvent
• C. difference in solute concentration
• D. temperature difference

Answer 1

The correct option is C

difference in solute concentration

For osmosis or diffusion to take place, always a difference in concentration between cell and its surroundings or between two regions is required.
At the roots, cells in contact with the soil actively take up ions. This creates a difference in the concentration of these ions (solute) between the root and the soil. Water, therefore, moves into the root from the soil to eliminate this difference.