Root Hair Cells (Edexcel GCSE Combined Science): Revision Note

Exam code: 1SC0

Lára Marie McIvor

Last updated

Root Hair Cells

Root hair cell function

  • Root hair cells are adapted for the efficient uptake of water (by osmosis) and mineral ions (by active transport)

  • Root hairs are single-celled extensions of epidermis cells in the root

  • They grow between soil particles and absorb water and minerals from the soil

  • Root hairs increase the surface area to volume ratio significantly

    • This increases the rate of the absorption of mineral ions by active transport

  • The high proportion of dissolved minerals and sugars in the cytoplasm (of the root hair cell) gives it a low water potential (less watery)

    • This causes water to move into the root hair cell by osmosis

Root Hair Cell Diagram

Root Hair Cell, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

A root hair cell.

Root Hair Cells and the Uptake of Water

Structure of the root, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

The structure of a root specifically allows it to maximise absorption of water by osmosis and mineral ions by active transport.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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