MHT CET Medical202622 April 2026Evening ShiftBiologyTransport in PlantsActual
Which one of the following does NOT favour absorption of water in plants?
Options
- ALow concentration of solutes in soil water.
- BIncreased transpiration rates.
- CPresence of capillary water.
- DPoorly aerated soil.
Correct answer
D. Poorly aerated soil.
Step-by-step solution
Water absorption by plant roots is influenced by several environmental factors. Low concentration of solutes in soil water means the soil solution is hypotonic compared to the root cell sap, creating a water potential gradient that favours water absorption. Increased transpiration rates create a strong transpiration pull, which is the primary driving force for passive water absorption in plants. Capillary water is the only form of soil water readily available to plants, so its presence favours absorption. Poorly ae