# Explain how root hair cells are adapted to absorb water and mineral ions from the soil.

> WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 2.4 Adaptations for nutrition · Explain · 5 marks

> Plants absorb water and mineral ions from the soil through specialised cells in their roots.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Root hair cells have a large surface area
2. Large surface area increases the rate of absorption / diffusion / osmosis
3. Water is absorbed by osmosis — movement of water from a region of high water concentration in the soil to a region of low water concentration in the root hair cell through a partially permeable membrane
4. Mineral ions are absorbed by active transport — movement against the concentration gradient
5. Active transport requires energy (from respiration)

## Key terms

- [root hair cells](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/root-hair-cells)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-root-hair-cells-are-a3f179b9) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.