Question

The diagram below represents an experimental set up to demonstrate a vital process. Study the same and then answer the questions that follow:


(i) Name the process.
(ii) Define the above named process.
(iii) What would you observe in the experimental setup after an hour or so?
(iv) What control experiment can be set up for the above experiment?
(v) Keeping in mind the root hair cell and its surrounding name the part that corresponds to (1) Concentrated sugar solution, (2) Parchment paper, (3) Water in the beaker.
(vi) Name any other substance that can be used instead of parchment paper in the above experiment.
(vii) Mention two advantages of this process to the plant.

Answer 1

(i) Osmosis.
(ii) Transfer of water or solvent molecules from a solution of lower concentration to a solution of higher concentration through a semi-permeable membrane is called osmosis.
(iii) The level of sugar solution rises in the stem of thistle funnel, whereas the water level in the beaker falls.
(iv) A non-permeable membrane can be used in place of parchment paper for a control experiment.
(v) (1) Root hair cell sap corresponds to concentrated sugar solution.
(2) Cell membrane of root hair cell corresponds to parchment paper.
(3) Soil solution corresponds to water in the beaker.
(vi) Goat’s bladder or pig’s bladder.
(vii) (1) Helps in water absorption.
(2) Helps in stomatal opening and closing thus facilitating gaseous exchange.