Question

Write short notes on:
(i) Importance of $H_{2}0$ in plants
(ii) Advantage of turgidity to plants

Answer 1

Hint: The root of the plants absorb water from the soil and remove the excess water through the process of transpiration. The excess water is removed in the gaseous form. The water absorbed by the root is transported through connective tissue called xylem to all parts of the plant.

Complete answer:
Importance of water in plants: Water is the most important and abundantly found in the plant cell. It is absorbed through the roots are transported to all the parts of the plant through xylem.

1)The plants require nutrients which are absorbed by the roots. It is transported through the medium of water.

2)Water is an essential ingredient for photosynthesis. Without the presence of water, the plants cannot make their food.

3)The cohesive and adhesive forces between the molecules and water help in transport of other nutrients.

4)The water is needed for the germination of seeds.

5)Water helps in maintaining the internal structure of the plant and provides pressure to the plant tissues.

Advantage of turgidity to plants: Turgidity is the state at which the cell membrane pushes against the cell wall. The turgid condition means the cell is charged with water. At this state the turgor pressure is high. When the cell membrane has low turgor pressure, it is known as flaccid.

1)The turgidity regulates the loss of water within the plants.
2)When the turgor pressure is low, the cell has lower concentration of water and the stomata close. This helps in preserving water.
3)The high turgor pressure helps in opening of the stomata. Thus, exchange of gases can be brought about for carrying out photosynthesis.
4)Turgidity keeps the framework of the plant rigid and upright.

Note: When the cell is placed in a hypertonic solution, exosmosis (outward movement of water) takes place and the cells become flaccid. The cell, when placed in a hypotonic solution, swells due to the inward movement of water from the surroundings(endosmosis).