Question

Which part of root absorb mineral?

• A. Root hairs
• B. Root tips
• C. Root cap
• D. Root cortex

Hint:

Root hairs are crucial for nutrient absorption in plants, and they only exist in the near root tips.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The part of the root that absorbs minerals is the root hair zone or epidermis.

Explanation:

• Root hairs: Root hairs are tiny, hair-like extensions of the epidermal cells located near the tips of the roots. These root hairs are the primary structures responsible for the absorption of water and minerals from the soil. They significantly increase the surface area of the root, allowing for more efficient absorption.
• Epidermis: The epidermis is the outermost layer of cells on the root and is responsible for the direct contact with the soil. The epidermal cells in the root hair zone facilitate the uptake of minerals and water through processes like osmosis and active transport.
• Root cap: While the root cap does not directly absorb minerals, it protects the growing tip of the root as it pushes through the soil and helps with the directional growth of the root.

How mineral absorption works:

• Minerals in the soil are absorbed by root hairs through both active transport (using energy) and passive transport (such as diffusion). Active transport is often used for minerals like potassium, calcium, and phosphate.
• Once absorbed, the minerals move from the root hair cells to the surrounding cells of the root, eventually reaching the vascular tissue (xylem), which transports the minerals throughout the plant.

Thus, the root hairs, located in the epidermal layer near the root tip, are the primary site of mineral absorption in plants.