Absorption by Roots – Notes

Means of Transport

Diffusion, facilitated diffusion and active transport are three means of transport in plants.

Diffusion is a passive process; it requires no expenditure of energy.

Diffusion facilitated by proteins without any energy expenditure is referred to as facilitated transport.

Unlike diffusion, active transport requires energy to move molecules against the concentration quotient.

Based on direction, short- distance transport in plants can be differentiated into three types- symport, antiport and uniport.

Imbibition and Water Potential

Seeds absorb water by special type of diffusion called imbibitions, where solids absorb water, causing an increase in their volume.

The water potential gradient comprises two main components: solute potential and pressure potential.