Absorption and Transport in Plants

Summary:

In the realm of plant biology, the intricate processes of food and mineral transport, as well as water absorption, play vital roles in the overall health and growth of plants. This fascinating field unravels how plants acquire and distribute nutrients efficiently throughout their structures.

At the heart of this process lies the root system, the non-green underground part of plants. Morphologically, it consists of a main root that branches into lateral roots, giving rise to numerous fine extensions known as root hairs. These root hairs greatly increase the surface area available for absorption.

Water absorption by plants occurs through osmosis, a specialized form of diffusion. In osmosis, water molecules move from regions of higher concentration to lower concentration through a semipermeable membrane. This movement allows plants to uptake water from the soil, where it may be more concentrated, and transport it to areas where it is needed, such as the leaves.

While semipermeable membranes facilitate the flow of water, permeable membranes allow both solute and solvent molecules to pass through them. Examples of permeable membranes include cell walls and muslin cloth. On the other hand, impermeable membranes, such as rubber sheaths, prevent the diffusion of solute and solvent molecules.

In addition to osmosis, plants employ active transport to move substances like ions, salt, and minerals from areas of lower concentration to higher concentration. Active transport requires energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) obtained from the cells.

Studying plant nutrition and transport processes provides valuable insights into the mechanisms that sustain plant growth, development, and overall survival.

Excerpt:

Absorption and Transport in Plants

• Transport Of Food And Minerals In Plants
  • Absorption Of Water By Plants

The root is typically a non-green part of plants. It does not possess nodes, leaves and buds but is branched extensively. Morphologically, the plant’s root system consists of a main root; it gives out branches called lateral roots or secondary roots. The lateral roots, in turn, bear many fine outgrows called root hair or tertiary roots.