What are the 2 pathways for absorption of minerals by the root? Explain them.
Dear student,
Absorption of minerals by the roots takes place either by active absorption or passive absorption. Passive absorption occurs because root is present in the soil rich in salts and minerals, so initially rapid uptake of minerals occurs due to concentration gradient. Higher concentration of minerals in the soil is transferred to lower concentration of minerals inside the roots across the membrane due to concentration gradient without the use of energy. Passive absorption of minerals also occurs through ion exchange by the establishment of Donnan equilibrium when the ions absorbed on the surface of cell gets exchanged with the ions present in the external solution. Mineral ions can also move passively inside the root by mass flow of water. Active absorption occurs by the movement of mineral ions against the concentration gradient by the use of metabolic energy. Due to the presence of carrier proteins on the surface of cell membrane, it helps in active absorption of mineral ions.
Regards
Absorption of minerals by the roots takes place either by active absorption or passive absorption. Passive absorption occurs because root is present in the soil rich in salts and minerals, so initially rapid uptake of minerals occurs due to concentration gradient. Higher concentration of minerals in the soil is transferred to lower concentration of minerals inside the roots across the membrane due to concentration gradient without the use of energy. Passive absorption of minerals also occurs through ion exchange by the establishment of Donnan equilibrium when the ions absorbed on the surface of cell gets exchanged with the ions present in the external solution. Mineral ions can also move passively inside the root by mass flow of water. Active absorption occurs by the movement of mineral ions against the concentration gradient by the use of metabolic energy. Due to the presence of carrier proteins on the surface of cell membrane, it helps in active absorption of mineral ions.
Regards