Multiple Choice
In most terrestrial plants, which structure is primarily responsible for absorbing water and dissolved minerals from the soil?
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33. Plant Anatomy
Roots and Shoots
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In vascular plants, which structure primarily absorbs water and dissolved minerals from the soil?
A
Root hairs
B
Phloem sieve tubes
C
Stomata
D
Xylem vessels
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the function of each structure listed in the problem. Root hairs, phloem sieve tubes, stomata, and xylem vessels all have distinct roles in vascular plants.
Step 2: Recall that root hairs are extensions of root epidermal cells that increase the surface area of roots, allowing for more efficient absorption of water and dissolved minerals from the soil.
Step 3: Recognize that phloem sieve tubes are involved in transporting sugars and other organic nutrients throughout the plant, not in water absorption.
Step 4: Know that stomata are pores on the leaf surface that regulate gas exchange and water vapor release, but they do not absorb water from the soil.
Step 5: Understand that xylem vessels transport water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant but do not absorb them directly from the soil; absorption occurs primarily at the root hairs.
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