What is the method of absorption of minerals by the root ?

Options

A. Active
B. Passive
C. Combination of the both (1) and (2)
D. All of these

Answer

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Understanding Mineral Absorption**: The roots of plants absorb minerals from the soil, which are essential for various physiological functions. Minerals can be categorized based on their transport methods: active transport and passive transport.

2. **Active Transport**: Some minerals, specifically charged particles or ions, require energy for absorption. This process is known as active transport.
- **Energy Source**: The energy for active transport comes from ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
- **Examples of Minerals**: Key minerals absorbed through active transport include Potassium (K+), Sodium (Na+), and Calcium (Ca2+). These ions are moved against their concentration gradient, which is why energy is needed.

3. **Passive Transport**: In contrast to active transport, some minerals can be absorbed without the use of energy. This is called passive transport.
- **Mechanism**: In passive transport, substances move along their concentration gradient, meaning they move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration.
- **Examples of Minerals**: Hydrogen ions (H+) and water are examples of minerals that can be absorbed passively.

4. **Combination of Transport Methods**: It is important to note that both active and passive transport can occur simultaneously in the roots.
- **Shared Structures**: There are pumps and structures in the root cells that facilitate both types of transport. For instance, a pump may allow hydrogen ions to passively flow through while simultaneously using energy to transport sodium and potassium.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the absorption of minerals by roots occurs through both active and passive transport methods. The correct answer to the question is that both methods are involved in the absorption of minerals by the roots.