Root Hair Cells (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Biology): Revision Note

Root Hair Cells

• Root hairs cells are found on the outer surface of plant roots; they have root hairs, which are extensions of the cell membrane that grow between soil particles and absorb water and minerals from the soil

  • The root hair increases the surface area of the cells significantly

  • This large surface area is important as it increases the rate of absorption

• Water enters the root hair cells by osmosis

  • This happens because soil water has a higher water potential than the cytoplasm of the root hair cell

• Minerals enter root hair cells by active transport

Root hair cell diagram

Root hair cells increase the surface area of roots for the absorption of water and minerals from the soil

Root hair cells in plant roots diagram

Root hair cells are found on the outer surface of plant roots