Question

Roots absorb water from soil by employing three physical processes, sequentially. Identify their correct sequence.

• A. Imbibition \(\rightarrow\) Diffusion \(\rightarrow\) Osmosis
• B. Diffusion \(\rightarrow\) Osmosis \(\rightarrow\) Imbibition
• C. Diffusion \(\rightarrow\) Imbibition \(\rightarrow\) Osmosis
• D. Osmosis \(\rightarrow\) Imbibition \(\rightarrow\) Diffusion

Hint:

Water first enters the wall by imbibition, then moves by diffusion, then crosses the membrane by osmosis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Root hair cell wall is made of hydrophilic cellulose and pectin.

Step 2: Sequence
First the wall takes up soil water by imbibition. Then the water moves through the wall towards the plasma membrane by diffusion. Finally it crosses the selectively permeable membrane into the cell sap by osmosis.

Step 3: Order
Imbibition, then diffusion, then osmosis.

Final Answer:
The sequence is imbibition, diffusion and osmosis. \[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{Imbibition}\rightarrow\text{Diffusion}\rightarrow\text{Osmosis}} \]