Question

Assertion (A): A lot of difference in the concentrations of ions was observed by a scientist between the fluid in xylem cells of roots and that of the soil.

Reason (R): Xylem cells in the roots of plants which come in contact with the soil actively take up ions.

Answer these questions by selecting the appropriate option given below:

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(c) A is true but R is false.

(d) A is false but R is true.

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:

Assertion (A) is true: A lot of difference in the concentrations of ions was observed by a scientist between the fluid in the xylem cells of roots and that of the soil. Xylem cells actively take up ions from the soil, creating a concentration gradient that drives water into the roots by osmosis. This process is called active transport, and it requires energy from ATP.

Reason (R) is true: Xylem cells in the roots of plants which come in contact with the soil actively take up ions. This is because xylem cells have specialized proteins in their cell membranes that can transport ions against a concentration gradient.