A researcher observes that water absorption by roots is significantly reduced when the plant is treated with a respiratory inhibitor. Which of the following best explains this observation?
Respiratory inhibitors directly block aquaporin function, preventing water movement.
Respiration is essential for maintaining root cell turgidity, which is directly linked to water absorption.
Active transport of ions into the root cells requires energy, creating a water potential gradient that drives water uptake.
Inhibition of respiration disrupts the cohesion-tension theory, preventing water movement through the xylem.
Related Questions
A plant with a mutation that disables aquaporins in its root cells would likely exhibit:
Complete cessation of water uptake.
Enhanced water uptake due to increased reliance on the apoplast pathway.
Reduced rate of water uptake but not complete cessation.
No change in water uptake as aquaporins are primarily involved in transpiration.
A researcher observes that water absorption by roots is significantly reduced when the plant is treated with a respiratory inhibitor. Which of the following best explains this observation?
Respiratory inhibitors directly block aquaporin function, preventing water movement.
Respiration is essential for maintaining root cell turgidity, which is directly linked to water absorption.
Active transport of ions into the root cells requires energy, creating a water potential gradient that drives water uptake.
Inhibition of respiration disrupts the cohesion-tension theory, preventing water movement through the xylem.
Which of these factors LEAST affects the rate of water absorption by roots?
Soil water potential
Root hair density
Temperature
Light intensity
Imagine a thin glass tube dipped in water. The water rises in the tube due to adhesion. In tall trees, a similar phenomenon helps maintain the water column, but a different property of water plays the major role in preventing the column from breaking under its own weight. What is this property?
Capillary action
High specific heat
Low viscosity
Cohesion
A plant with a higher concentration of solutes in its root cells compared to the surrounding soil will:
Absorb water more easily
Lose water to the soil
Not be affected
Become plasmolysed
