Select incorrect statement regarding water absorption in plants

Options

A. Root hairs are thin-walled slender extensions of root epidermal cells
B. Water is absorbed along with mineral solutes, by the root hairs, purely by diffusion
C. Movement through the apoplast involve crossing the cell membrane.
D. Once water is absorbed by the root hairs, it can move deeper into root layers by apoplast pathway or symplast Pathway

Answer

To solve the question regarding the incorrect statement about water absorption in plants, let's follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Water Absorption in Plants**:
Water absorption primarily occurs through root hairs, which are extensions of root epidermal cells. These root hairs significantly increase the surface area available for absorption.

2. **Identify the Function of Root Hairs**:
Root hairs are thin-walled and slender, and they are present in millions at the tips of roots. Their main function is to facilitate the absorption of water and minerals from the soil.

3. **Mechanism of Water Absorption**:
Water is absorbed along with mineral solutes by the root hairs primarily through the process of diffusion. This is a passive process where water moves from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

4. **Pathways of Water Movement**:
Once water is absorbed by the root hairs, it can move deeper into the root layers through two main pathways:
- **Apoplast Pathway**: This involves the movement of water through the cell walls and intercellular spaces without crossing the cell membranes.
- **Symplast Pathway**: This involves the movement of water through the cytoplasm of the cells, connected by plasmodesmata.

5. **Evaluate the Given Statements**:
Now, we will analyze the provided statements to identify the incorrect one:
- **Statement 1**: "Root hairs are thin-walled, slender extensions of root epidermal cells."
- This statement is correct.
- **Statement 2**: "Water is absorbed along with the mineral solutes by the root hairs purely by diffusion."
- This statement is also correct.
- **Statement 3**: "Movement through the apoplast involves crossing the cell membrane."
- This statement is incorrect because apoplastic movement does not involve crossing the cell membrane.
- **Statement 4**: "Once water is absorbed by the root hairs, it can move deeper into root layers by apoplast pathway or symplast pathway."
- This statement is correct.

6. **Conclusion**:
The incorrect statement regarding water absorption in plants is **Statement 3**: "Movement through the apoplast involves crossing the cell membrane."

### Final Answer:
The incorrect statement regarding water absorption in plants is **Statement 3**.

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