# Explain why root hair cells are well adapted for the uptake of water from the soil.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 8.2 Water uptake · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Root hair cells have a large surface area
2. Large surface area increases the rate of osmosis / water uptake
3. Root hair cells have a thin cell wall, reducing the diffusion distance
4. Water enters by osmosis because the root hair cell has a lower water potential than the soil solution / soil water

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-root-hair-cells-are-dce76ddc) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.