Question

In a young root the most active absorption of water takes place through
A. Root cap region
B. Root hair region
C. Zone of elongation
D. The mature region with a lot of corky layers.

Answer 1

Hint: Absorption of water is an ATP dependent process which is generated by the root respiration. Root cells of the plant actively take part in the process which causes the process named active absorption. Two types of water absorption is found, named active absorption of water and passive absorption.

Complete answer: Root cap or calyptra is found at the tip of the plant root. The main function of the root cap is to protect the growing root tip of the plant. Mucilage is secreted from the root cap that allows the root to move easily within the soil. Instead of the root cap, some parasitic and aquatic plants possess root pockets which are a sac-like structure.
Root hair is the outgrowth of plant root epidermis. The young root hair region is mostly active in the absorption of water by the process called osmosis. Root hair cell comprises a large surface area which allows the hair region to speed up the absorption process.
The region which actively takes part in the elongation of the root by forming new cells is called the zone of elongation. The zone of elongation involves three regions, named Meristematic zone, the zone of cell elongation, and the Maturation zone or zone of cell differentiation.
The mature region of the root does not perform the elongation of the root. In this region, cells become matured and start to convert into different tissues.
So, the correct answer is “Option b”.

Note: When solvents tend to move from a less concentrated solution to high concentrated solution through a semipermeable membrane is known as osmosis. Root hair absorbs water from the soil to the roots by osmosis. In this process not only water is absorbed but also minerals and other essential molecules are absorbed.