Question

Water in adjacent xylem moves into the phloem by process of :

• A. Simple diffusion
• B. Active transport
• C. Osmosis
• D. Facilitated diffusion

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Osmosis

Water is passively transported into the roots and then into the xylem. The forces of cohesion and adhesion cause the water molecules to form a column in the xylem. Water moves from the xylem into the mesophyll cells, evaporates from their surfaces and leaves by diffusion through the stomata. The increased solute concentration causes water to move by osmosis from the xylem into the phloem. The positive pressure that is produced pushes water and solutes down the pressure gradient. So, the correct answer is "Osmosis".