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Ch. 36 - Plant Nutrition
Freeman - Biological Science 8th Edition
Freeman8th EditionBiological ScienceISBN: 9780138276263Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 36, Problem 2

Where does most nutrient uptake occur in roots?
a. At the root cap, where root tissue first encounters soil away from the zone of nutrient depletion
b. At the Casparian strip, where ions must enter the symplast before entering xylem cells
c. In the symplastic and apoplastic pathways
d. In root hairs, in the zone of maturation

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of a root: Roots have different zones, including the root cap, zone of cell division, zone of elongation, and zone of maturation. Each zone has specific functions related to growth and nutrient uptake.
Identify the role of root hairs: Root hairs are extensions of root epidermal cells found in the zone of maturation. They increase the surface area for absorption and are crucial for nutrient uptake from the soil.
Consider the Casparian strip: The Casparian strip is a barrier in the endodermis that forces water and solutes to pass through the cell membrane, entering the symplast before reaching the xylem. This ensures selective uptake of nutrients.
Differentiate between symplastic and apoplastic pathways: The symplastic pathway involves movement through the cytoplasm of cells via plasmodesmata, while the apoplastic pathway involves movement through cell walls and intercellular spaces. Both pathways are involved in nutrient transport.
Evaluate the options: Given the roles of root hairs and the zone of maturation, most nutrient uptake occurs in root hairs within the zone of maturation, where they are actively absorbing nutrients from the soil.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Root Structure and Function

Roots are essential for anchoring plants and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. The root cap protects the growing tip, while the zone of maturation is where cells differentiate and root hairs develop, increasing surface area for nutrient uptake. Understanding these structures helps identify where nutrient absorption is most efficient.
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Symplastic and Apoplastic Pathways

Nutrient uptake in roots occurs through two main pathways: symplastic and apoplastic. The symplastic pathway involves movement through the cytoplasm of cells via plasmodesmata, while the apoplastic pathway involves movement through cell walls and intercellular spaces. These pathways facilitate the transport of water and nutrients into the plant.
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Casparian Strip

The Casparian strip is a band of cell wall material in the endodermis of roots, containing suberin, which blocks passive flow of substances into the vascular system. It forces water and solutes to pass through the cell membrane, ensuring selective uptake into the symplast before entering the xylem, thus playing a crucial role in nutrient regulation.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Consider the following statements regarding limiting nutrients. Select True or False for each statement.

T/F Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are common examples.

T/F Their presence limits the availability of micronutrients.

T/F Their availability tends to limit plant growth.

T/F Certain macronutrients and micronutrients can be considered limiting nutrients.

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Textbook Question

Why are proton pumps in root-hair plasma membranes important?

a. They pump protons into cells, generating a membrane potential (voltage).

b. They allow toxins to be concentrated in vacuoles, so the toxins do not poison enzymes in the cytoplasm.

c. They set up an electrochemical gradient that makes it possible for roots to absorb cations and anions.

d. They set up the membrane voltage required for action potentials to occur.

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Textbook Question

Why is the presence of clay particles important in soil?

a. They provide macronutrients—particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

b. They bind metal ions, which would be toxic if absorbed by plants.

c. They allow water to percolate through the soil, making oxygen-rich air pockets available. d. The negative charges on clay bind to positively charged ions and prevent them from being leached out of the soil.

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Textbook Question

Suppose that certain root cells have an overall charge that is more negative than normal. What impact would this likely have on the uptake of anions such as NO3⁻?

a. Anions would be less likely to enter roots.

b. Anions would be more likely to enter roots.

c. This would have no impact on the ability of anions to enter roots.

d. This would make anions and cations equally likely to enter roots.

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