Roots provide water and mineral salts to the plant.

Roots are an important part of a plant's structure and function. They play a crucial role in absorbing water and mineral salts from the soil, which are necessary for the plant's growth and development. Let's explore how roots perform this vital function.

Water absorption:

- Roots have specialized structures called root hairs, which are tiny projections that increase the surface area of the root. This increased surface area allows for more efficient absorption of water from the soil.

- The root hairs have a thin cell wall and are in close contact with the soil particles. This allows water to move from areas of higher concentration (the soil) to areas of lower concentration (the root) through a process called osmosis.

- The root hairs also have a higher concentration of minerals and ions compared to the soil. This concentration gradient facilitates the movement of water into the roots through osmosis.

Mineral salt absorption:

- Along with water, roots also absorb mineral salts from the soil. These mineral salts include nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for the plant's growth.

- The absorption of mineral salts occurs through active transport. This process requires energy and involves the movement of ions across the root cell membranes against their concentration gradient.

- Root hairs have specialized transport proteins that facilitate the uptake of specific mineral ions from the soil. These ions are then transported to other parts of the plant through the vascular system.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, roots are responsible for providing water and mineral salts to the plant. They absorb water through osmosis and actively transport mineral ions from the soil. This essential function of roots ensures that the plant has the necessary nutrients and hydration for its growth and survival.

ANS=D ROOTS