Question

Define – Imbibition
Explain how imbibition helps root hairs in adsorption of water.

Hint:

Imbibition initiates water uptake in seeds and root hairs due to colloidal properties.

Answer 1

Imbibition: The process by which dry colloidal substances (e.g., cell walls, proteins) absorb water, causing swelling due to their affinity for water molecules.
ii. Role in Root Hairs: Root hair cell walls, rich in cellulose, imbibe water, creating a water potential gradient. This facilitates water adsorption into root hairs, aiding absorption from soil to root cells.
Answer: i. Imbibition is water absorption by colloids; ii. It drives water uptake in root hairs via cell wall swelling.