Question:

Correct sequence in water absorption by root hairs.

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Water absorption in plants begins with imbibition, followed by diffusion into root hair cells, and ends with osmosis into the root cortex.
Updated On: Jan 25, 2025
  • Imbibition, diffusion, osmosis.
  • Osmosis, imbibition, diffusion.
  • Diffusion, imbibition, osmosis.
  • Osmosis, diffusion, imbibition.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the process of water absorption.
Water absorption by root hairs occurs in three distinct stages: Imbibition: This is the initial stage where water is absorbed by hydrophilic substances (e.g., cell wall components like cellulose) through capillary action. Diffusion: After imbibition, water molecules diffuse from regions of higher concentration (soil solution) to lower concentration (root hair cells). Osmosis: Finally, water moves through the semipermeable membranes of root hair cells into the root cortex via osmotic gradients. Step 2: Explanation of the correct sequence.
The correct sequence in water absorption is: \[ \text{Imbibition} \rightarrow \text{Diffusion} \rightarrow \text{Osmosis}. \] Imbibition occurs first as the cell walls absorb water. Diffusion facilitates water movement to the root hair cytoplasm. Osmosis enables water transport across membranes into deeper root cells. Step 3: Explanation of other options.
Option (B): Incorrect. Osmosis does not occur first; imbibition precedes it. Option (C): Incorrect. Diffusion does not occur before imbibition. Option (D): Incorrect. Osmosis occurs after diffusion, not before. \[ \therefore \text{The correct sequence is: Imbibition, diffusion, osmosis.} \]
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