Chapter 4
Absorption by Roots — The Process Involved
Summary
The most important function of the root is to absorb water and mineral nutrients from the soil.
Need of Water and Minerals for Plants
Osmotic pressure is the minimum pressure which must be exerted to prevent the passage
of the pure solvent into the solution when the two are separated by a semi-permeable
membrane.
Relative concentration of the solutions which determines the direction and extent of
diffusion is called tonicity. Based on tonicity, solutions can be of three types:
When a plant cell reaches a state where it cannot accommodate any more water, i.e. it is
fully distended, it is called turgid, and the condition or phenomenon is called turgidity.
Absorption by Roots — The Process Involved
Summary
The most important function of the root is to absorb water and mineral nutrients from the soil.
Need of Water and Minerals for Plants
Osmotic pressure is the minimum pressure which must be exerted to prevent the passage
of the pure solvent into the solution when the two are separated by a semi-permeable
membrane.
Relative concentration of the solutions which determines the direction and extent of
diffusion is called tonicity. Based on tonicity, solutions can be of three types:
When a plant cell reaches a state where it cannot accommodate any more water, i.e. it is
fully distended, it is called turgid, and the condition or phenomenon is called turgidity.
