What is hydroponics? How is it useful in identifying the role of nutrients?

Definition: Hydroponics involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water, either with or without the use of a mechanical support system like sand, gravel, or perlite. 1. Hydroponics, derived from the Greek words “hudor” (water) and “ponos” (work), is a technique where plants are cultivated without soil, receiving essential nutrients through a water-based medium. This involves creating … Read more

Write on the mechanism of opening and closing of stoma

1. Stomatal transpiration is regulated by the turgidity of guard cells. 2. Turgor pressure, acting on the unevenly thickened guard cell wall, governs stomatal movement. 3. The elastic outer wall stretches, pulling the inner inelastic wall, causing stomatal opening. 4. Flaccidity of guard cells results in stomatal closure. 5.Osmotically active sugar increases guard cell osmotic … Read more

Explain cohesion theory for translocation of water.

1. Introduced by Dixon and Jolly in 1894, this theory currently stands as the widely accepted explanation for the upward movement of sap in plants. 2. Grounded in two fundamental principles—cohesion and adhesion, along with transpiration pull—this theory delineates the mechanism behind sap ascent. 3. Cohesion and adhesion dynamics involve the cohesive force among water … Read more

Write on journey of water from soil to xylem in roots.

1. Root hairs, originating as tubular extensions of epiblema cells, play a crucial role in absorbing capillary water from the soil. 2. The absorption of water involves three key physical processes: imbibition, diffusion, and osmosis. 3. Imbibition occurs as water molecules are adsorbed on the cell wall of the root hair, contributing to the overall … Read more

Describe structure of root hair.

1. The absorption of water by plants is facilitated through the intricate network of root hairs embedded in the soil. 2. Root hairs, strategically located in the zone of absorption, play a vital role in the uptake of water and essential nutrients. 3. Originating as unicellular extensions, these root hairs are ephemeral structures formed by … Read more

How are the minerals absorbed by the plants?

i. The examination of plant ash reveals the absorption of minerals by plants from the soil and their surroundings. ii. Plants absorb minerals primarily in the ionic (dissolved) form through their roots, and subsequently, these minerals are transported within the plant. iii. The absorption of mineral ions operates independently of water absorption. iv. Mineral ion … Read more

Enlist macronutrients and micronutrients required for plant growth.

1. Macronutrients, such as carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), etc., are essential minerals needed in significant quantities for plant metabolism. 2. Micronutrients, including copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), boron (B), zinc (Zn), chlorine (Cl), etc., are minerals needed in small quantities for essential … Read more

Distinguish between a) Osmotic pressure and turgor pressure b) Diffusion and osmosis.

A) Osmotic pressure is the minimum pressure needed to prevent the inward flow of a pure solvent through a semipermeable membrane. Turgor pressure, inside the cell, pushes the plasma membrane against the plant cell wall. Turgor Pressure vs. Osmotic Pressure: Turgor Pressure 1. Turgor pressure arises in the cell due to osmotic water entry, maintaining … Read more

Define and or explain the terms: Osmosis, diffusion, plasmolysis, imbibition, guttation, transpiration, ascent of sap, active absorption, DPD, turgor pressure, water potential, wall pressure, root pressure.

(i) Osmosis is a specific type of solvent diffusion through a semipermeable membrane. (ii) It involves the movement of ions, atoms, or molecules from areas of higher concentration to regions of lower concentration. (iii) When a living cell undergoes exo-osmosis in a hypertonic solution, it experiences plasmolysis. (iv) The swelling of hydrophilic colloids due to … Read more

Explain movement of water in the root.

1. Water absorption in root hairs occurs through a process involving imbibition, followed by diffusion and osmosis. 2. As water enters the root hair cell, it undergoes an increase in turgor pressure, resulting in turgidity. 3. The root hair cell possesses lower solute concentration (D.ED.) compared to the adjacent cortical cell with higher solute concentration … Read more