Root Hair Cells
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 3.3.4
Root Hair Cells
Root hair cells cover the roots of plants. Water and mineral salts enter the plant through these cells. Root hair cells have long projections (root hairs) that increase the surface area that the plant can use to absorb water and minerals.
Water
- Plants need water for photosynthesis, to transport dissolved minerals, and for support (since plants don't have skeletons).
- Root hair cells absorb water from the soil by osmosis (movement of water down a concentration gradient).
Mineral salts
- Plants need certain minerals to survive.
- Minerals are absorbed into the root hair cells by active transport (up a concentration gradient, requiring energy).
Test yourself on Root Hair Cells
Why do root hair cells have long projections (root hairs)?
Why do plants need water?