Sciences - Co-ordinated (9-1) - 0973 CIE

Water Uptake

Overview

All the water a plant uses, for photosynthesis, for support and for cooling, starts its journey in the soil and enters through the roots. The entry point is a special cell built for the job: the root hair cell, whose long thin extension reaches between soil particles to drink in water.

In this lesson you will learn how root hair cells are adapted, follow the exact pathway water takes from soil to leaf, and meet a simple staining experiment that lets you see that pathway for yourself. You will also use magnification to work out the real size of a root hair cell from an image.

Objectives

  1. Identify in diagrams and images root hair cells and state their functions
  2. State that the large surface area of root hairs increases the uptake of water and mineral ions
  3. Outline the pathway taken by water through the root, stem and leaf as: root hair cells, root cortex cells, xylem, mesophyll cells
  4. Investigate, using a suitable stain, the pathway of water through the above-ground parts of a plant

Lesson Note

A plant that cannot take up water wilts and dies. Root hair cells are a classic example of a cell adapted to its function, and the soil-to-leaf pathway links straight into transpiration and translocation. Examiners often ask you to identify a root hair cell and explain its adaptation, or to put the pathway of water in the correct order.

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Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Water Uptake. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

  1. Root hair cells are adapted for absorbing water mainly because they have a: A. thick waxy cuticle B. large surface area C. store of starch D. green colour Answer: B
  2. Water is absorbed into a root hair cell by: A. active transport B. respiration C. osmosis D. transpiration Answer: C
  3. The correct pathway of water through a plant is: A. xylem, root hair cells, cortex, mesophyll B. root hair cells, root cortex cells, xylem, mesophyll cells C. mesophyll, xylem, cortex, root hairs D. root hairs, xylem, mesophyll, cortex Answer: B
  4. An image of a cell is 40 mm long and the cell is actually 2 mm long. The magnification is: A. x2 B. x20 C. x40 D. x80 Answer: B
  5. Mineral ions are taken into root hair cells by: A. osmosis B. active transport C. transpiration D. diffusion only Answer: B

Available on the Green Bridge App

Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.

Full lesson notes with diagrams
AI-powered learning assistant
Study offline, anytime, anywhere
Available on Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux

Available on the Green Bridge App

Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.

Full lesson notes with diagrams
AI-powered learning assistant
Study offline, anytime, anywhere
Available on Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux

Practice Mock Questions

Want to practice mock questions on Water Uptake? Download the Green Bridge CBT app to access mock questions and full practice assessments for this topic.

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