- Root is the main organ responsible for absorption of water and minerals from the soil in terrestrial plants.
- Epiphytic plants like orchids absorb water vapour from air using special aerial roots with a tissue called velamen.
- A typical root is divided into different regions, and the zone of absorption bears root hairs.
- Root hairs are unicellular, tubular extensions of epiblema cells; they are colourless, delicate, short-lived and increase the surface area for absorption.
- Each root hair has a thin, permeable cell wall and a selectively permeable plasma membrane with a large central vacuole, facilitating efficient water absorption.
Topics
Reproduction in Lower and Higher Plants
- Reproduction
- Asexual Reproduction
- Asexual Reproduction in Unicellular Organisms > Binary Fission
- Binary Fission > Simple Binary Fission
- Binary Fission > Transverse Binary Fission
- Binary Fission > Longitudinal Binary Fission
- Asexual Reproduction in Unicellular Organisms > Multiple Fission
- Asexual Reproduction in Unicellular Organisms > Budding
- Asexual Reproduction in Multicellular Organisms > Budding
- Asexual Reproduction in Multicellular Organisms > Gemmule Formation
- Asexual Reproduction in Multicellular Organisms > Regeneration
- Asexual Reproduction in Multicellular Organisms > Fragmentation
- Asexual Reproduction in Multicellular Organisms > Spore Formation
- Vegetative Reproduction or Vegetative Propagation
- Natural Vegetative Propagation
- Artificial Vegetative Propagation
- Sexual Reproduction
- Flower - a Fascinating Organ of Angiosperms
- Structure and Development of Anther
- Microsporogenesis
- Structure and Development of Male Gametophyte
- Structure and Development of Ovule
- Types of Ovules (Based on Orientation)
- Types of Ovules (Based on Integuments)
- Megasporogenesis
- Development of Female Gametophyte or Embryo Sac
- Pollination
- Self-pollination
- Autogamy
- Cross-pollination
- Geitonogamy
- Agents and Types of Cross-pollination
- Anemophily
- Hydrophily
- Entomophily
- Ornithophily
- Cheiropteriphily
- Malacophily
- Outbreeding Devices
- Fertilization
- Pollen Pistil Interaction
- Artificial Hybridization or Artificial Fertilization
- Double Fertilization and Triple Fusion
- Endosperm
- Embryo
- Seed and Fruit Development
- Apomixis
- Parthenocarpy
- Polyembryony
- Overview of Reproduction in Lower and Higher Plants
Reproduction in Lower and Higher Animals
- Reproduction
- Sexual Reproduction
- The Male Reproductive System
- Menstrual Cycle (Ovarian Cycle)
- Gametogenesis
- Fertilization in Human
- Embryonic Development in Human
- Implantation in Human
- Pregnancy in Humans
- Placenta (Growth) in Human
- Parturition (Birth) in Human
- Lactation in Human
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
- Infertility
- Population Stabilisation and Birth Control
- Gastrulation in humans
- Human Reproduction
- Induced Abortion or Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP)
- Overview of Reproduction in Lower and Higher Animals
Inheritance and Variation
- Heredity
- Genes and Genetic
- Back Cross and Test Cross
- Deviations from Mendel’s Findings
- Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance
- Chromosomes - The Carriers of Heredity
- Linkage and Crossing Over
- Autosomal Inheritance
- Sex Determination
- Sex Linked Inheritance
- Human Genetic Disorders
- Exceptions to Mendel's Principles > Multiple alleles
- Linkage
- Types of Linkage > Complete Linkage
- Types of Linkage > Incomplete Linkage
- Crossing Over
- Colour blindness
- Haemophilia
- Sex Determination in Birds
- Down's syndrome (Mongolian Idiocy)
- Turner's Syndrome
- Klinefelter's Syndrome
- Overview of Inheritance and Variation
Molecular Basis of Inheritance
- Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
- Griffith’s Experiment
- Packaging of DNA Helix
- DNA Replication
- Protein Synthesis
- Regulation of Gene Expression
- The Lac Operon
- Genomics
- Human Genome Project
- DNA Fingerprinting
- Genetic Code
- Mechanism of Translation
- Overview of Molecular Basis of Inheritance
Origin and Evolution of Life
- Origin and Evolution of Universe and Earth
- Theories of Origin of Life
- Chemical Evolution of Life (Self-assembly Theory of the Origin of Life)
- Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection (Darwinism)
- Mutation Theory
- Modern Synthetic Theory of Evolution
- Organic Evolution
- Hardy Weinberg’s Principle
- Adaptive Radiation
- Evidence of Evolution > Morphological Evidences
- Speciation
- Geological Time Scale
- Theories of Biological Evolution
- Overview of Origin and Evolution of Life
Plant Water Relation
- Plant Water Relation
- Properties of Water
- Water Available to Roots for Absorption
- Imbibition
- Diffusion
- Osmosis
- Osmotic Pressure
- Turgidity and Flaccidity (Plasmolysis)
- Passive Transport
- Water Potential (ψ)
- Concept of Transpiration
- Path of Water Across the Root
- Kinds of Transpiration
- Forces Contributing to Ascent of Sap
- Transport of Mineral Ions
- Structure of Stomatal Apparatus
- Significance of Transpiration
- Transportation of Food and Other Substances
- Overview of Plant Water Relation
Plant Growth and Mineral Nutrition
- Plant Growth
- Phases of Plant Growth
- Conditions Necessary for Plant Growth
- Plant Growth Rate
- Plant Growth Curve
- Differentiation, De-differentiation, Re- Differentiation
- Plant Development
- Plant Plasticity
- Plant Hormones
- Auxins
- Gibberellins
- Cytokinins
- Ethylene
- Abscisic Acid (ABA)
- Photoperiodism
- Vernalization (Yarovization)
- Plant Mineral Nutrition
- Nitrogen Cycle
- Overview of Plant Growth and Mineral Nutrition
Respiration and Circulation
- Cellular Respiration
- Organs of Respiratory Exchange
- Human Respiratory System
- Mechanism of respiration-Breathing
- Regulation of Breathing / Respiration
- Modified Respiratory Movements
- Disorders of Respiratory System
- Transportation in Living Organisms
- Circulation in Animals
- Types of Closed Circulation
- Blood Circulatory System
- Composition of Blood > Plasma (The Liquid Portion of Blood)
- Composition of Blood > Cellular Elements: Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)
- Composition of Blood > Cellular Elements: White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)
- Composition of Blood > Cellular Elements: Blood Platelets (Thrombocytes)
- Human Heart
- Working mechanism of human heart
- Blood Vessels
- Blood Pressure (B.P.)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Lymph and Lymphatic System
- Mechanism of respiration - Internal respiration
- Mechanism of respiration - External respiration
- Cellular Respiration
- Overview of Respiration and Circulation
Control and Co-ordination
- Control and Co-ordination
- Nervous System in Hydra
- Nervous System in Planaria (Flatworm)
- Neural Tissue
- Neuron (Or Nerve Cell)
- Neuroglial Cells (Or Glial Cells)
- Human Nervous System
- Central Nervous System (CNS)
- The Human Brain
- The Spinal Cord
- Peripheral Nervous System > Somatic Nervous System
- Sensory Receptors
- The Human Eye
- Human Ear
- Disorders of Nervous System
- Chemical Coordination
- Human Endocrine System
- The Hypothalamus
- Pituitary Gland or Hypophysis Gland
- The Pineal Gland
- Thyroid Gland
- Parathyroid Gland
- Thymus Gland
- Adrenal Gland (Suprarenal Gland)
- Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans)
- Reproductive Glands (Gonads)
- Synapse
- Types of Synapse
- Transmission of Nerve Impulse
- Generation of nerve impulse
- Reflex Action
- Peripheral Nervous System > Autonomic Nervous System
- Diffuse Endocrine Glands
- Overview of Control and Co-ordination
Human Health and Diseases
- Defence System in Our Body: Immune System
- Structure of Antibody
- Disease
- Protozoan Diseases
- Helminthic Diseases
- Bacterial Diseases
- Viral Diseases
- Fungal Diseases
- Vector Borne Diseases
- Cancer
- Drug Abuse
- Concept of Adolescence
- Addiction
- Vaccines and Vaccination
- Blood Transfusion and Blood Groups (ABO and Rh system)
Human Reproduction
Enhancement of Food Production
- Improvement in Food Production
- Plant Breeding
- Tissue Culture
- Single Cell Protein (SCP)
- Biofortification
- Animal Husbandry (Livestock)
- Animal Husbandry (Livestock) > Animal Breeding
- Dairy (Livestock) Farm Management
- Poultry Farm Management
- Animal Husbandry (Livestock) > Apiculture (Bee Farming)
- Animal Husbandry (Livestock) > Pisciculture (Fish Farming)
- Sericulture
- Lac Culture
- Microbes in Human Welfare
- Microbes in Industrial Products
- Microbes in Sewage Treatment
- Microbes in Energy Generation
- Microbes as Biocontrol Agents
- Microbes as Biofertilizers
- Microbial Role in Dairy Products
- Overview of Enhancement of Food Production
Biotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Principles of Biotechnology
- Methodology for rDNA Technology
- Crop Biotechnology > Hybrid Seeds
- Bioethics
- Effects of Biotechnology on the Environment
- Biopiracy
- Transgenic Plants
- Effects of Biotechnology on Human Health
- Tools and techniques for gene cloning/ rDNA technology
- Crop Biotechnology > Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- Overview of Biotechnology
Organisms and Populations
- Organisms and the Environment Around
- Habitat
- Niche
- Adaptations and Its Types
- Population
- Population Interactions
- Organisms and Populations
- Population Growth
- Positive Interactions > Mutualism (Symbiosis)
- Negative Interactions > Competition
- Negative Interactions > Parasitism
- Negative Interactions > Predation
- Positive Interactions > Commensalism
- Overview of Organisms and Populations
Ecosystems and Energy Flow
Biodiversity, Conservation and Environmental Issues
- Biodiversity
- Levels of Biodiversity
- Patterns of Biodiversity
- Biodiversity Current Scenario
- Loss of Biodiversity
- Conservation of Wildlife
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002
- Environmental Issues
- Noise Pollution
- Green House Effect
- Preventive Measures of Green House Effect
- Deforestation and Its Causes
- Global Warming
- Preventive Measures of Global Warming
- Mission Harit Maharashtra
- Conservation of Biodiversity
- Overview of Biodiversity, Conservation and Environmental Issues
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Water absorbing organ
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Definition: Gravitational Water
The water present in the soil that percolates downward due to gravity and is not available for plant absorption is called gravitational water.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Definition: Hygroscopic Water
The water that is tightly adsorbed on the surface of fine soil particles and cannot be absorbed by plant roots is called hygroscopic water.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Definition: Combined Water
The water that is chemically bound to soil minerals such as hydrated oxides of silicon and aluminum and is unavailable to plants is called combined water.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Definition: Capillary Water
The water held in the small pores between soil particles due to capillary action and available for absorption by plant roots is called capillary water.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Water Potential
- Water Potential (Ψ):
The chemical potential or free energy of water responsible for its movement is called water potential and is represented by the Greek letter psi (Ψ). - Value and Units:
Water potential is zero in pure water, becomes negative when solutes are added, and is measured in bars, pascals, or atmospheres. - Components:
Water potential consists of osmotic potential (negative) and pressure potential (always positive). - Movement of Water:
Water moves from a region of higher (less negative) water potential to lower (more negative) water potential through plasmodesmata.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Transport of mineral ions
- Source and Form
Soil is the main source of minerals, and plants absorb mineral nutrients in the dissolved ionic form, mainly through roots. - Mode of Transport
Absorbed mineral ions are transported upward through xylem sap due to transpiration pull. - Distribution in Plant Body
Mineral ions are supplied to actively growing and storage regions such as young leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and storage organs, where they are actively absorbed by cells. - Remobilization and Pathways
Mineral ions can be remobilized from older to younger parts, and their transport occurs through both xylem and phloem.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Transport of food
- Food is synthesized in green leaves (source) and utilized or stored in non-green parts (sink).
- Movement of food from source to sink in plants is called translocation of food.
- Food is transported mainly through phloem tissue, especially sieve tubes.
- Food is always translocated in soluble form as sucrose.
- Transport of food occurs in both vertical and lateral directions and is bidirectional.
- Phloem sap contains water, sucrose, amino acids, and hormones.
- The most accepted mechanism of food transport is Munch’s pressure flow (mass flow) theory, based on turgor pressure gradient.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Types of Transpiration in Plants
| Type of Transpiration | Structure Involved | Site | Percentage of Total Transpiration | Important Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuticular Transpiration | Cuticle (cutin) | Epidermis of leaves and stem | 8–10% | Occurs by diffusion, continues all day, inversely proportional to cuticle thickness |
| Lenticular Transpiration | Lenticels | Bark of old stems, woody roots and fruits | 0.1–1.0% | Very slow rate, occurs throughout the day, absent in leaves |
| Stomatal Transpiration | Stomata (guard cells) | Epidermis of leaves and young stem | 90–93% | Occurs mainly during daytime, regulated by stomata |
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Structure of stomatal apparatus
- Stomatal Apparatus
A typical stomatal apparatus consists of two guard cells, a stoma (pore), and accessory (subsidiary) cells. - Guard Cells
Guard cells are modified epidermal parenchyma cells, kidney-shaped in dicots and dumbbell-shaped in monocots, with unevenly thick walls. - Cell Structure
Guard cells are living, nucleated, contain few chloroplasts, and have a thick inner wall and thin elastic outer wall. - Accessory Cells
Accessory cells are specialized epidermal cells surrounding guard cells and act as reservoirs of K⁺ ions. - Opening and Closing Mechanism
Opening and closing of stomata depend on turgor changes in guard cells due to endosmosis (opening) and exosmosis (closing). - Theories of Stomatal Movement
Stomatal movement is explained by starch–sugar interconversion theory and proton (K⁺) transport theory.
