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Multiple Choice
How do cations typically enter root hairs in plants?
A
Through facilitated diffusion using carrier proteins
B
By osmosis through aquaporins
C
Through passive diffusion across the cell membrane
D
Via active transport using proton pumps
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that cations are positively charged ions, and their movement across cell membranes often requires energy due to the concentration gradient.
Recognize that active transport is a process that moves ions against their concentration gradient, which requires energy, typically in the form of ATP.
Identify that proton pumps are a type of active transport mechanism that uses energy to move protons (H⁺ ions) across the membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient.
Realize that this electrochemical gradient can be used to drive the uptake of cations into root hairs through secondary active transport, where the movement of protons back into the cell facilitates the transport of cations.
Conclude that cations enter root hairs via active transport using proton pumps, which create the necessary conditions for their uptake against the concentration gradient.