The correct option is C The entry of ions to the apoplast requires the expenditure of metabolic energy
The process of absorption of minerals takes place in two main phases - apoplast and symplast. In the first phase, an initial rapid uptake of ions into the ‘free space’ or ‘outer space’ of cells is the apoplast. In the second phase of uptake, the ions are taken in slowly into the ‘inner space’ is the symplast. The movement of ions into the apoplast usually occurs through ion-channels, the trans-membrane proteins that function as selective pores. On the other hand, the entry or exit of ions to and from the symplast requires the expenditure of metabolic energy, which is an process. The movement of ions is usually called the
inward movement into the cells is influx and the outward movement is efflux.