lons are absorbed from the soil by

Options

A. Passive transport
B. Active transport
C. Both a and b
D. Imbibition

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Ion Absorption**: Ions are essential nutrients for plants and are absorbed from the soil through the roots.

2. **Types of Transport Mechanisms**: There are two primary mechanisms by which ions are absorbed from the soil:
- **Active Transport**: This process requires energy (ATP) to move ions against their concentration gradient (from an area of lower concentration in the soil to an area of higher concentration in the root cells).
- **Passive Transport**: This process does not require energy and occurs along the concentration gradient (from an area of higher concentration in the soil to an area of lower concentration in the root cells).

3. **Mechanisms of Active Transport**: Active transport is facilitated by specific protein pumps or channels in the cell membrane of root cells. These proteins help in moving ions into the plant against the concentration gradient.

4. **Mechanisms of Passive Transport**: Passive transport occurs through simple diffusion, where ions move freely from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration without the need for energy.

5. **Conclusion**: Since both active and passive transport mechanisms are involved in the absorption of ions from the soil, the correct answer to the question is that ions are absorbed by both A (active transport) and B (passive transport).

**Final Answer**: Ions are absorbed from the soil by both active transport and passive transport.

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