To analyze the given statements and determine their validity, we will break down the concepts involved in respiration, water absorption, and mineral uptake in plants.
### Step-by-Step Solution:
**Step 1: Understand the relationship between respiration and water absorption.**
- Respiration in plants involves the uptake of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide. It is essential for energy production through the breakdown of glucose.
- Water absorption is crucial for various physiological processes in plants, including nutrient transport and maintaining turgor pressure.
**Hint 1:** Consider how respiration affects energy production and how that energy might influence water absorption.
**Step 2: Analyze the claim of an indirect relationship.**
- An indirect relationship suggests that as one factor increases, the other decreases or does not directly correlate.
- In plants, while respiration rates can influence water absorption (e.g., through transpiration), they do not necessarily have a straightforward inverse relationship.
**Hint 2:** Think about how changes in respiration might affect other processes in the plant, including water uptake.
**Step 3: Examine the second statement regarding metabolism and mineral uptake.**
- Metabolism encompasses all biochemical processes in the plant, including respiration and nutrient assimilation.
- Increased metabolism can lead to higher demand for minerals, which are essential for various metabolic reactions.
**Hint 3:** Reflect on how the availability of minerals is linked to the metabolic activities of the plant.
**Step 4: Evaluate the truth of both statements.**
- Statement A (the relationship between respiration and water absorption) is true in that there is a relationship, but it may not be direct.
- Statement R (increased metabolism increases mineral uptake) is also true, as higher metabolic activity requires more minerals.
**Hint 4:** Consider whether both statements can be true and how they relate to each other.
**Step 5: Conclusion on the validity of the statements.**
- Both statements A and R are true. However, the explanation provided in statement R may not fully encompass the complexity of the relationship between metabolism and mineral uptake.
### Final Answer:
- Statement A is true, as there is a relationship between respiration and water absorption, albeit indirect.
- Statement R is true, as increased metabolism does lead to increased mineral uptake.
- Therefore, both statements are correct, but the explanation for R may not be entirely accurate.
