Question

List any five features that show the suitability of roots for the absorption of water.

Answer 1

Roots:

1. The roots of a plant lie below the ground and carry out many important functions.
2. They absorb water and dissolved minerals from the soil.
3. Roots anchor plants into the soil and supports the plant body to stand erect.
4. They are also the vegetative parts of the plant. For example: in sweet potatoes, adventitious roots give rise to new plants.

Suitability of roots to absorb water:
The root of the plants possesses certain characteristic features making them suitable to absorb water from the soil.

1. Roots branch out extensively in soil. It provides more surface area for the absorption of water and minerals from the soil.
2. They consist of a large number of thin root hair.
3. The root hairs are unicellular, lack cuticles and possess a thin cell wall. This allows a free movement of substances in and out of the root hair cell.
4. Root hair contains cell sap, of a higher concentration compared to the surrounding water. This allows the roots to absorb water through osmosis.
5. A root cap is present as a protective tissue which bears the root tip.