Question

Give definition and importance of (i) Imbibition (ii)Parturition.

Answer 1

Hint: One term is necessary for the germination of seeds and is related to the adsorption of water or other and the other term is a medical term that is related to childbirth and labour.

Complete answer:
Imbibition: Imbibition is the process of adsorption of water or any liquid particle by hydrophilic/ lyophilic constituents on the cell. The surface of the cell will swell due to the adsorption of the water molecule. Surface potential movement of water occurs through a concentration gradient. Between the absorbent and the liquid, a gradient is necessary for imbibition to take place. For the imbibition of a liquid by a material, primarily there must be some attraction among the liquid and material.
-Imbibition is necessary for many natural processes to occur, for example without the pressure due to imbibition, seedlings would not be able to sprout and arise from soil. It is also a significant step in the early stage of water intake by roots.
Parturition: Parturition is a medical terminology that defines childbirth, labour or delivery. It is the process of signalling the beginning of labour and the process of delivering the child after the end of the pregnancy period. With the release of cortisol, the developed progeny will be born, also the cervix dilates and relaxes during parturition
- Parturition is necessary because oxytocin and estrogen hormones are secreted to initiate the milk production and labour and during parturition, the uterus contracts to push the child towards the cervix and remains pushing till the child comes through the birth canal.

Note: -During parturition the head of the child will be visible first and will be the first part to come out through the birth canal.
-Bloated abdomen, discharge of mucus, completely swollen vulva and relaxed pelvic ligaments are the common signs of parturition.