# Explain why a wilting plant that is watered recovers its firm, upright structure.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 2.10 Transport: flowering plants · Explain · 4 marks

> A houseplant left without water for several days begins to wilt and its stems become soft and drooping. After watering, the plant gradually becomes firm and upright again.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Water enters root hair cells / root cells by osmosis
2. Water moves from a more dilute solution (soil water) to a more concentrated solution (cell sap) across a partially permeable membrane
3. Water fills the vacuole / enters the vacuole, increasing the pressure inside the cell
4. Turgid cells press against each other / cell wall resists expansion, supporting the plant tissues and making the stem firm / upright

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- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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