AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The presence of root hairs in the plant’s root structure greatly increases the surface area available for water absorption in plants. Vascular plants absorb water from the soil as a result of transpiration, in which water is lost to the atmosphere through the stomata, or plant pores that facilitate gas exchange.

Detailed explanation-2: -So, the correct option is ‘an increase in the water potential of the surrounding solution.

Detailed explanation-3: -Root hairs collect water and minerals that are present in the soil. They also increase the surface area for absorption.

Detailed explanation-4: -Water enters the cells of the root hair by the process of osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration through a semi-permeable membrane. Hence, they perform the function of absorption.