Question

Who discovered the root pressure?

• A. Stephen hales
• B. Priestley
• C. Dixon
• D. Renner

Answer 1

The correct option is A Stephen hales

Root pressure is the positive pressure developed in roots due to active absorption. Roots actively absorb minerals leading to a reduction in water potential. This leads to movement of water into root cells from surrounding soil solution, because water moves from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential. An excess of water and minerals in roots causes development of positive pressure in roots.

Stephan Hales was the first to study transpiration the loss of water from the leaves of plants. He estimated the surface area of the leaves of the plant and the length and surface area of the roots. This allowed Hales to compare the calculated influx of water into the plant with the amount of water leaving the plant by transpiration through the leaves. He also measured 'the force of the sap' or root pressure. This was the first scientific description and measurement of root pressure.