Question

The most powerful imbibant is
A. Agar-agar
B. Proteins
C. Cellulose
D. Lignin

Answer 1

Hint: The solid compound that is responsible for absorbing the water or liquid substances and causes swelling is known as imbibant. The process by which imbibant increases its volume is called imbibition. Imbibition is a type of diffusion as it is a concentration gradient depending process.

Complete answer:
Agar-agar is the most powerful imbibant. Agar-agar comprises a jelly-like structure and is processed from red algae. Agar-agar is composed of agarose and agaropectin. Agar-agar is responsible for absorbing 99% of water more than its weight. Protein is a structural component that is capable of absorbing 15% water of its weight. The imbibition capability of cellulose is less than protein.

So, the correct answer is option A.

Additional information: The force that causes the swelling of imbibant due to keeping it confined to the confined space is called imbibition pressure. Imbibition is involved in several biological activities like absorption of water from the soil to root is initiated by the imbibition. Imbibition also involves the germination of seed. Imbibition mainly depended on two factors, these are temperature and the solute concentration. An increase in temperature causes an increase in imbibition whereas an increase in solute concentration causes a decrease in imbibition.

Note: Agar agar is known as natural vegetable gelatin. It is mainly used in food industries like making cakes, jelly, desserts. Due to the derivation from red algae, it is categorized as vegetarian gelatin. Agar-agar comprises many essential nutrients like irons, calcium, folate, etc. It does not possess carbohydrates and sugars.