Rate of water absorption is slow near freezing point becausea)Water ab...
Rate of water absorption is slow near a freezing temperature because decreased temperature results in the decreased root growth. Also, freezing temperature makes the cell membrane more viscous. There is resistance in water absorption as permeability of cell membrane decrease and viscosity increases.
Thus, the correct answer is option 'D'.
Rate of water absorption is slow near freezing point becausea)Water ab...
Cell Membranes become more viscous:
When the temperature drops near freezing point, the cell membranes of plants start to become more viscous. This means that the lipids in the cell membrane become more solid and less fluid. As a result, the movement of water molecules across the cell membrane slows down significantly.
Effects of Viscous Cell Membranes on Water Absorption:
1. Reduced Permeability: The reduced fluidity of the cell membrane near freezing point decreases its permeability to water. This means that water molecules have a harder time passing through the membrane and entering the cells.
2. Slowed Transport Processes: Various transport processes that facilitate water absorption, such as active transport and facilitated diffusion, are hindered by the viscous cell membranes. This further contributes to the slow rate of water absorption.
3. Impact on Cell Turgor: The slow water absorption due to viscous cell membranes can lead to a decrease in cell turgor pressure. This can affect the overall health and functioning of the plant cells, as turgor pressure is essential for maintaining cell shape and rigidity.
In conclusion, the slow rate of water absorption near freezing point is primarily due to the increase in viscosity of cell membranes. This physiological change in the cell membranes affects the permeability and transport processes involved in water absorption, ultimately impacting the overall water uptake by the plant cells.
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