What is root pressure and explain its existence in a small plant?
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Root pressure is one of the forces involved in the movement of water up the xylem. This can be observed when a freshly cut root stump continues to exude sap from its xylem vessels. The process is inhibited by respiratory inhibitors such as cyanide, lack of oxygen, and low temperatures. The mechanism probably depends on active secretion of salts or other solutes into the xylem sap, thus lowering its water potential. Water then moves into the xylem by osmosis from neighbouring root cells.
Root pressure is responsible for transport of water to small heights in a stem i.e. it is applicable to small plants only. It does not account for transport of water in long trees.
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