Question

Which water is absorbed by plants?

Hint:

Capillary water is the most available form of water for plant roots, while gravitational water drains away and hygroscopic water is too tightly bound to the soil particles for absorption.

Answer 1

The water absorbed by plants is soil water, which contains dissolved minerals and nutrients essential for plant growth.

Explanation:

• Soil water: Soil water is the moisture present in the soil, which plants absorb through their roots. It consists of water from rainfall, irrigation, and the movement of groundwater. Soil water contains essential minerals, ions, and nutrients that are dissolved in it, which plants need for various physiological processes like photosynthesis, cell growth, and nutrient transport.
• Absorption process: Water is absorbed by plant roots through a process called osmosis, where water moves from the soil (where the concentration of water is higher) into the root cells (where the concentration of water is lower). This process helps maintain the plant's internal water balance.
• Root hairs: Root hairs, which are small extensions of the root epidermal cells, play a crucial role in water absorption by increasing the surface area for absorption.

Additional points:

• Water and nutrients: Along with water, essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are also absorbed from the soil to support plant growth and development.
• Capillary action: Once absorbed by the roots, water moves upward through the plant via capillary action in the xylem vessels, reaching the leaves and other parts of the plant for various metabolic activities.

In summary, plants absorb water from the soil, which is vital for their growth, nutrient uptake, and overall physiological functions.