Uptake Of Water By Roots

The cell wall of epidermal cells of roots is freely permeable to water and other minerals. The cell membrane is differentially permeable. From root hairs water enters the epidermal cells by osmosis. The water moves along the concentration gradient. It passes through cortex, endodermis, and pericycle and reaches the xylem vessels. There are three pathways taken by water to reach the xylem tissues. (1) The apoplast way, (2) the symplast way, (3) the vacuolar pathway.  

Uptake of water by roots is a critical process in the survival of plants, as it is responsible for transporting water and minerals from the soil into the plant. The process of water uptake involves several steps, including the absorption of water into the root hairs, movement through the root cortex, and entry into the xylem vessels. This process is driven by osmotic pressure and requires energy in the form of ATP. Various factors, such as soil type, temperature, and the presence of root pathogens, can impact the efficiency of water uptake by roots. Understanding the mechanisms behind water uptake by roots is crucial for improving agricultural productivity and mitigating the effects of drought on plants.