The Question is from neet-botany plant-physiology plant-water-relations, and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

The apoplast pathway in plants is interrupted by the Casparian strip.  Which of the following statements about its impact on water movement is most accurate?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: A
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Plant water transport and the role of the Casparian strip.
 **Related Topics**: Apoplast pathway, symplast pathway, water uptake by roots, xylem.
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of plant cell structure (cell walls, plasma membranes, plasmodesmata), and the basic principles of water movement in plants.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The Casparian strip interrupts the apoplast pathway in plant roots.
  The question asks about the impact on water movement.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Understand the apoplast and symplast pathways.
  Reasoning: The apoplast pathway is the movement of water and solutes through the cell walls and intercellular spaces. The symplast pathway involves movement through the cytoplasm of cells, connected by plasmodesmata.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable.
 2. Consider the role of the Casparian strip.
  Working: The Casparian strip is a band of waxy material in the radial and transverse walls of the endodermis in plant roots. It is impermeable to water. This forces water moving through the apoplast to enter the symplast to continue its journey towards the vascular tissue (stele).
  Key Point: The Casparian strip acts as a barrier that regulates the entry of water and minerals into the vascular cylinder.
 3. Analyze the options.
  Result: Option A accurately describes the effect of the Casparian strip: it forces water and dissolved minerals to enter the symplast before reaching the stele.
  Verification: Option A aligns with the known function of the Casparian strip in regulating water and mineral uptake by preventing apoplastic movement into the stele.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A ✓: It forces water and dissolved minerals to enter the symplast before reaching the stele. This is the correct explanation of the Casparian strip's function.
B :x: The Casparian strip *interrupts* apoplastic movement, it doesn't facilitate it via plasmodesmata.
C :x: The Casparian strip affects the movement of water *into* the stele, not into the root hair cells themselves.  Water still enters the root hair cells.
D :x: The Casparian strip actually *reduces* the rate of transpiration by controlling water uptake and preventing uncontrolled water loss.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing apoplast and symplast pathways: Understand the difference between movement through cell walls (apoplast) and through cytoplasm (symplast).
  2.Misunderstanding the Casparian strip's function:  It's a barrier, not a facilitator of water movement.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the Casparian strip is like a 'gatekeeper' controlling the entry of water into the vascular system.
  2.Visualize the Casparian strip as an impermeable band forcing water into the symplast.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "It forces water and dissolved minerals to enter the symplast before reaching the stele."

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

It facilitates the rapid movement of water through the cortex via plasmodesmata.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

It prevents the passage of water into the root hair cells.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

It increases the rate of transpiration by reducing the resistance to water flow.

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