Question

Mention the role of water in plants.

Answer 1

Water is absorbed from the soil via the roots and plays the following roles in plants:

1. Photosynthesis: Plants use water to carry out photosynthesis. During the process of photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide from the air and hydrogen from water to synthesize glucose and release oxygen as a byproduct.
2. Transpiration: Water is also lost from the leaves of the plant through a process called transpiration which is essential to keep the leaf surface cool.
3. Cell turgidity: Water forms a major component of the cytoplasm. It exerts pressure on the internal cell wall and thereby helps in maintaining the cell turgidity. This provides a structure to the cells well as the plants and prevents drooping.
4. Nutrient transport system: Water is a universal solvent and functions as the medium through which essential minerals, absorbed through the roots is transported through the xylem tissues. Without water, the nutrients and minerals would be unable to travel through the xylem tissue and the plant would die.