Question

Most of the water flow in the root takes place via the apoplast because

• A. Cortical cells are loosely arranged
• B. Cortical cells are living cells
• C. Cortical cells are thin walled cells
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Cortical cells are loosely arranged

Apoplast pathway means outside living cells. It involves cell walls and intercellular spaces. The cortical cells are loosely arranged and water fills up the space between cortical cells. The cell walls act as capillaries and suck up the water. Thus water is transported quickly from the root hairs to the endodermis layer. The endodermis comprises of cells with casparian thickenings and without any intercellular spaces. Thus blocking the apoplast pathway.