2.53 Root Structure

- Branching pattern increases SA - increases absorption of water  
- End of root has root hairs - they are epidermal (cells on the surface of the root) cell wall is extended outwards (that is the root hair) - increases SA - abs. water
- Two different levels of increased SA - Tissue level and cellular level 
- Active transport against the concentration gradient and involving energy of minerals
- Plant actively concentrates the minerals in certain areas 
- Encourages plant to take up water by osmosis (water moves from dilute region - concentrated region) 
- Dilute region is soil water surrounding the root hairs. Concentrated region is created by building up the minerals in cells (achieved by active transport) 
- Water moves across cortex of the root to the xylem by osmosis