Root Hair Cells Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

What is the main function of a root hair cell?

To absorb water and mineral ions from the soil.

How does the long, narrow shape of a root hair cell help it?

It gives a large surface area for faster absorption of water and mineral ions.

Why do root hair cells contain many mitochondria?

To release energy for active transport of mineral ions into the cell.

By which process does water enter a root hair cell, and why?

Osmosis — the soil water is a more dilute solution than the cell's cytoplasm, so water moves in through the partially permeable membrane.

True or false? Mineral ions enter root hair cells by osmosis.

False. Mineral ions enter by active transport, against the concentration gradient, using energy; osmosis only moves water.