Question

The fundamental role of root hairs in plants is?

1. To protect the root from soil microbes
2. To protect the young root from damage by coarse soil particles
3. To absorb water and mineral salts from the soil
4. To bind soil particles to the root for firm fixation of the plant

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : To absorb water and mineral salts from the soil

The correct answer is To absorb water and mineral salts from the soil.

• The fundamental role of root hairs in plants is to absorb water and mineral salts from the soil.
  • It follows the region of cell elongation and extends from a few millimetres to a few centimetres.
  • The enlarged cells undergo differentiation or maturation into different types of primary tissue like cortex epidermis, pericycle, xylem, etc.
  • Some cells of this layer extend into a fine, delicate, thread-like structure, the root hair.
  • There are invariably unicellular and are produced in thick clusters.

• Root hair cells are specialized epidermal cells that greatly increase the surface area of roots.
  • As such, they are widely believed to play an important role in plant nutrition by facilitating the absorption of water and nutrients. 
  • Root hair cells (black arrow pointing at one of the root hair cells) are single tubular root cells.
  • 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.
  • The root hair cell is found in the plant cell, just behind the root tip where they are continually being formed.
    • it is found inside the root of the plant.
    • the function of root hair cells is to collect the water & mineral nutrients that soil contains.