Absorption by Plants: Can a Plant Take in Water?

In summary, the conversation discusses the setup of an experiment involving a small plant that has its leaves stripped off and is placed in a beaker of water covered with oil to prevent evaporation. The question is raised whether the plant will absorb water within a couple of hours and a hint is given to look up the mechanism of how water moves through a plant. It is also noted that the plant's roots and stems are intact.
  • #1
ritwik06
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A small plant is stripped off its leaves and is placed in a beaker containing water. The water surface is covered with oil to prevent evaporation of water. Will the plant absorb water within a couple of hours or so?
 
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  • #2
This is homework. Please post in the correct forum.
 
  • #3
If this is homework, please ask a moderator to move to the homework section.. If you happen to be doing some light reading on plant physiology and this question came to you, it can stay here.

Before offering my thoughts on this, I wonder what do you think will happen to this plant under those conditions and why? (if you are not sure, here's a hint.. Look up the mechanism of how water moves through a plant).

Something you ought to clarify: When the plant is placed in the beaker of water, besids missing its leaves, is it otherwise intact (roots & stems)?
 

Related to Absorption by Plants: Can a Plant Take in Water?

1. How do plants absorb water?

Plants absorb water through their root systems. The roots have tiny hair-like structures called root hairs that increase the surface area for water absorption. The water then travels up through the roots and stem to the leaves via a network of tubes called xylem.

2. Can all plants absorb water?

Yes, all plants have the ability to absorb water. However, some plants may have adaptations that allow them to thrive in dry environments with limited water availability.

3. How much water can a plant absorb?

The amount of water a plant can absorb varies depending on the type of plant, its size, and environmental conditions. On average, a plant can absorb up to 90% of the water that is available in the soil.

4. What other nutrients do plants absorb?

In addition to water, plants also absorb essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the soil. These nutrients are necessary for plant growth and development.

5. What factors affect a plant's ability to absorb water?

The main factors that affect a plant's ability to absorb water include soil moisture, temperature, and the presence of certain minerals and chemicals in the soil. Plants may also struggle to absorb water if they are experiencing drought or if their root systems are damaged.

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