Question

What is root pressure? How is it useful to plants?

Answer 1

The root pressure is the pressure which is exerted on the liquid contents of the fully turgid cortex cells of the root, forcing some of it into the xylem vessels and up through the stem. It is a vital phenomenon and depends upon the activity of the living cells of the root. This is the osmotic pressure which causes the water in the xylem to travel in the upward direction. This is necessary for supplying the cells of the plants with water and the mineral nutrients. This pressure is responsible for the absorption of water and the essential minerals from the soil.