Class 10 Science - ICSE-BIOLOGY
Absorption by Roots
The chapter 'Absorption by Roots' in ICSE Class 10 Biology explores how plants take in water and mineral nutrients from the soil. It covers essential physiological processes such as imbibition, diffusion, osmosis, active transport, and root pressure. Understanding this chapter is crucial for board exams as it forms the foundation for plant transport mechanisms like ascent of sap and transpiration. Students frequently encounter diagram-based questions, experimental setups demonstrating root pressure or osmosis, and direct definitions of key terms, making it a high-scoring and conceptually vital area of the syllabus.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Imbibition
The passive absorption of water by hydrophilic (water-loving) colloids of plant cells, like cellulose and proteins, without forming a solution.
Diffusion
The movement of molecules (or ions) from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration until they are evenly distributed.
Osmosis
The movement of water molecules from a region of higher water concentration (dilute solution) to a region of lower water concentration (concentrated solution) through a semi-permeable membrane.
Active Transport
The upward or inward movement of ions against a concentration gradient, using metabolic energy in the form of ATP.
Root Pressure
A hydrostatic pressure developed in the roots due to continuous inflow of water, which helps push water up to small heights in the stem.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In ICSE Biology (Class 10), this chapter typically carries around 5 to 8 marks. Questions often include diagram-based questions on root hair cells, experimental setups to prove osmosis or root pressure, and precise definitions of terms like turgidity, flaccidity, and plasmolysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between endosmosis and exosmosis?
Why do root hairs have a high surface area?
Root hairs are long, tubular extensions of epidermal cells that significantly increase the surface area for maximum absorption of water and minerals from the soil.
What happens to a plant cell in a hypertonic solution?
The plant cell undergoes plasmolysis, where water moves out via exosmosis, causing the cytoplasm and plasma membrane to shrink away from the cell wall.
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