Water uptake
9 flashcards to master Water uptake
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What is the primary function of root hair cells?
Root hair cells primarily absorb water and mineral ions from the soil. Their elongated shape increases the surface area available for absorption, maximizing water uptake for the plant.
How does the large surface area of root hairs aid in water uptake?
The extensive surface area provided by root hairs significantly increases the area available for osmosis. This allows for a greater volume of water to be absorbed from the soil.
What is the role of xylem in water transport?
Xylem is the vascular tissue responsible for transporting water and dissolved mineral ions upwards from the roots to all parts of the plant, including the leaves. Xylem vessels are dead cells, forming continuous tubes.
Describe the function of the mesophyll cells in relation to water.
Mesophyll cells in leaves contain chloroplasts and use water absorbed from the xylem for photosynthesis. They release oxygen as a byproduct and also lose water through transpiration.
What physical property of water is essential for its movement through xylem vessels?
Cohesion is essential, allowing water molecules to stick together due to hydrogen bonds. Adhesion to the walls of the xylem also helps counter gravity and maintain a continuous column of water.
What is transpiration?
Transpiration is the loss of water vapor from plant leaves through stomata. The rate of transpiration is affected by factors such as humidity, temperature, and wind speed.
Explain how a plant maintains a water potential gradient from the soil to the air.
The water potential is highest in the soil and lowest in the air surrounding the leaf. Transpiration lowers the water potential in the leaf, creating a 'pull' that draws water up the xylem from the roots, maintaining this gradient.
What method can be used to visually track water transport in a plant stem?
A suitable stain, such as eosin or colored dye, can be added to the water supply of a plant. As the plant takes up water, the stained water will move through the xylem, making the pathway visible when the stem is cross-sectioned.
Key Questions: Water uptake
What is the primary function of root hair cells?
Root hair cells primarily absorb water and mineral ions from the soil. Their elongated shape increases the surface area available for absorption, maximizing water uptake for the plant.
What is the role of xylem in water transport?
Xylem is the vascular tissue responsible for transporting water and dissolved mineral ions upwards from the roots to all parts of the plant, including the leaves. Xylem vessels are dead cells, forming continuous tubes.
About Water uptake (8.2)
These 9 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Water uptake for your Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.
What You'll Learn
- 2 Definitions - Key terms and their precise meanings that examiners expect
- 4 Key Concepts - Core ideas and principles from the 0610 syllabus
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After mastering Water uptake, explore these related topics:
- 8.1 Xylem and phloem - 10 flashcards
- 8.3 Transpiration - 12 flashcards
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