Root Hair Cells (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Spec point — B7.1.3 · Identify in diagrams and images root hair cells and state their functions State that the large surface area of root hairs increases the uptake of water and mineral ions

Root hair cells

• 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
• 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

Structure of the roots

• The root hair increases the surface area of the cells significantly
• This large surface area is important as it increases the rate of the absorption of water by osmosis and mineral ions by active transport