Question

Which of the following processes does not involve osmosis?

I. Entry of water from soil into root

II. Movement of water between xylem elements.

III. Opening and closing of stomata

IV. Sleeping movement of leaves

V. Transport of water through root cortex

• A. I $\&$ III
• B. III, IV $\&$ V
• C. III $\&$ II
• D. II only

Answer 1

The correct option is D

II only

Xylem elements are dead where living protoplasm is absent. This means that a cell membrane or a semipermeable membrane is absent. Hence the movement of water through xylem doesn't involve osmosis. It occurs due to the pressure gradient created by the transpiration pull and the adhesion, cohesion and surface tension properties of water.
All of the other processes mentioned here involves osmosis and changes in turgor pressure.