plant imbibants are

Options

A. hydrophobic colloids
B. hydrophilic colloids
C. chitin and suberin
D. lignin like compounds

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Imbibition**:
- Imbibition is the process where solid particles absorb water without forming a solution. This is crucial for seed germination and other plant processes.

2. **Identifying Imbibants**:
- Imbibants are substances that can absorb water. In plants, these are typically hydrophilic (water-attracting) substances.

3. **Evaluating Options**:
- **Hydrophobic Colloids**: These are water-repelling substances and cannot absorb water. Therefore, they cannot be imbibants.
- **Hydrophilic Colloids**: These are water-attracting substances that can absorb water. This makes them suitable as imbibants in plants.
- **Chitin**: A polysaccharide found in the exoskeleton of arthropods, it does not absorb water effectively.
- **Subrin**: A waxy substance that forms a protective layer in plants, it is also hydrophobic and does not absorb water.
- **Lignin**: A complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of plants, it provides rigidity and does not absorb water.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the evaluation, the only suitable option for plant imbibants is hydrophilic colloids, as they can effectively absorb water.

5. **Final Answer**:
- Plant imbibants are **hydrophilic colloids**.