EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -There are air pockets present between the soil particles where the trapped oxygen is present. Root hair exchange gasses to and from tiny air pockets present in soil particles. The large surface area provided by root hairs facilitates this along with absorption of water.

Detailed explanation-2: -Root hair absorbs water from soil through osmosis. Water will be absorbed by root hairs by osmosis as the environment in the soil is hypotonic. This kind of absorption takes place passively. The water can easily move from the region of higher concentration to the low concentration without expenditure of energy.

Detailed explanation-3: -In root systems, oxygen (O2) in soil pores diffuses into the root hairs and gets transported to all parts of the roots. Plant roots use photosynthates during respiration for their various functions, like nutrient uptake and maintaining and growing their tissues.

Detailed explanation-4: -However, while the crown of a tree is usually surrounded by open air, roots need a source of oxygen in the soil in order to grow. In the ground, air and water are held in little pockets called soil pores. If the soil is dense and compacted (with no soil pores), there will not be enough oxygen available for respiration.

Detailed explanation-5: -Their distinctive lateral elongation increases the surface of exchange between the plant’s root system and the soil. The main function of root hairs is the uptake of water and nutrients from the rhizosphere.