With reference to transport in plants, consider the following statements: 1. Plants absorb water and mineral nutrients primarily through their leaves. 2. Root hair increases the surface area of the root for absorption. 3. Root hair is in contact with the water present between the soil particles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation In vascular plants, the absorption of water and inorganic mineral nutrients is a fundamental physiological process carried out primarily by the root system. This process relies on specialized structures to maximize efficiency and ensure adequate transport to the shoot system. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Plants absorb water and mineral nutrients primarily through their roots, not their leaves. While leaves are the site of photosynthesis and transpiration, the root system is specialized for anchoring the plant and absorbing resources from the soil. Foliar absorption (through leaves) can occur to a limited extent but is not the primary mechanism. - Statement 2 is Correct. Root hairs are slender, unicellular elongations of the epidermal cells of the root. Their primary physiological function is to significantly increase the surface area of the root system. This expanded surface area enhances the rate and efficiency of water and mineral absorption from the surrounding soil. - Statement 3 is Correct. Root hairs are delicate structures that penetrate the interstitial spaces between soil particles. They remain in direct contact with the thin film of water (capillary water) surrounding these particles, allowing for the uptake of water and dissolved minerals via diffusion and osmosis. Key Takeaway: The primary organ for water and mineral absorption in plants is the root. Root hairs play a critical role by extending into soil pore spaces and vastly increasing the absorptive surface area.

NCERT Class 7 Science — Chapter 3: Transportation in animals and plants

mcqeasy

With reference to transport in plants, consider the following statements:

Plants absorb water and mineral nutrients primarily through their leaves.
Root hair increases the surface area of the root for absorption.
Root hair is in contact with the water present between the soil particles.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

In vascular plants, the absorption of water and inorganic mineral nutrients is a fundamental physiological process carried out primarily by the root system. This process relies on specialized structures to maximize efficiency and ensure adequate transport to the shoot system.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Plants absorb water and mineral nutrients primarily through their roots, not their leaves. While leaves are the site of photosynthesis and transpiration, the root system is specialized for anchoring the plant and absorbing resources from the soil. Foliar absorption (through leaves) can occur to a limited extent but is not the primary mechanism.
Statement 2 is Correct. Root hairs are slender, unicellular elongations of the epidermal cells of the root. Their primary physiological function is to significantly increase the surface area of the root system. This expanded surface area enhances the rate and efficiency of water and mineral absorption from the surrounding soil.
Statement 3 is Correct. Root hairs are delicate structures that penetrate the interstitial spaces between soil particles. They remain in direct contact with the thin film of water (capillary water) surrounding these particles, allowing for the uptake of water and dissolved minerals via diffusion and osmosis.

Key Takeaway: The primary organ for water and mineral absorption in plants is the root. Root hairs play a critical role by extending into soil pore spaces and vastly increasing the absorptive surface area.

Your note

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Plants absorb water and mineral nutrients primarily through their roots, not their leaves. While leaves are the site of photosynthesis and transpiration, the root system is specialized for anchoring the plant and absorbing resources from the soil. Foliar absorption (through leaves) can occur to a limited extent but is not the primary mechanism.
Statement 2 is Correct. Root hairs are slender, unicellular elongations of the epidermal cells of the root. Their primary physiological function is to significantly increase the surface area of the root system. This expanded surface area enhances the rate and efficiency of water and mineral absorption from the surrounding soil.
Statement 3 is Correct. Root hairs are delicate structures that penetrate the interstitial spaces between soil particles. They remain in direct contact with the thin film of water (capillary water) surrounding these particles, allowing for the uptake of water and dissolved minerals via diffusion and osmosis.