Is the statement 'All parts of the root tip absorbs water (root hairs)' true?

Is the statement 'All parts of the root tip absorbs water (root hairs)' true?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not stated
• D. It varies

Answer: (B)

Water uptake is concentrated where root hairs are present, not across the entire root tip. Root hairs are specialized extensions of epidermal cells that form in the zone of maturation behind the very tip. The root cap and the apical meristem at the tip lack these hairs, so they don’t contribute significantly to absorption. Since absorption relies on the increased surface area provided by root hairs to take in water by osmosis, the statement that all parts of the root tip absorb water is incorrect. Some minimal absorption can occur along parts without hairs, but it’s not the main mechanism, and the bulk of water uptake happens where root hairs are located.

Water uptake is concentrated where root hairs are present, not across the entire root tip. Root hairs are specialized extensions of epidermal cells that form in the zone of maturation behind the very tip. The root cap and the apical meristem at the tip lack these hairs, so they don’t contribute significantly to absorption. Since absorption relies on the increased surface area provided by root hairs to take in water by osmosis, the statement that all parts of the root tip absorb water is incorrect. Some minimal absorption can occur along parts without hairs, but it’s not the main mechanism, and the bulk of water uptake happens where root hairs are located.