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Water enters the roots of plants by osmosis - Leaving Cert Biology - Question a - 2008
Question a
Water enters the roots of plants by osmosis. Explain what is meant by osmosis. Describe how you demonstrated osmosis as part of your practical activities. Name the... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Water enters the roots of plants by osmosis - Leaving Cert Biology - Question a - 2008
Step 1
Explain what is meant by osmosis.
Answer
Osmosis is the process through which water moves across a semi-permeable membrane. It occurs from a region of higher water concentration (or lower solute concentration) to a region of lower water concentration (or higher solute concentration) until equilibrium is reached.
Step 2
Describe how you demonstrated osmosis as part of your practical activities.
Answer
To demonstrate osmosis, I used a potato and immersed it in distilled water and a concentrated salt solution. I observed the potato slices: in distilled water, they became turgid due to water influx, while in the salt solution, they shriveled as water exited the cells, thus showing the movement of water through osmosis. I controlled the time period of observation to monitor the changes.
Step 3
Step 4
Mention one way in which the tissue you have named in (iii) is adapted for the transport of water.
Answer
Xylem is adapted for water transport by having tube-like structures that are narrow and hollow, with strong walls reinforced by lignin, making it efficient for carrying water upwards against gravity.
Step 5