Plants absorb mineral salts from the soil solution through

Options

A. Carrier proteins of root hair cells
B. Perforations at the apex of root hair cells
C. The cell wall which is semipermeable
D. None of these

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Mineral Absorption in Plants:**
- Plants absorb mineral salts from the soil primarily through their root systems. The roots, particularly the root hairs, play a crucial role in this process.

2. **Role of Root Hair Cells:**
- Root hair cells are specialized structures that increase the surface area for absorption. They are in direct contact with the soil solution, which contains dissolved mineral ions.

3. **Mechanism of Absorption:**
- Mineral salts are absorbed as ions. The initial phase of absorption occurs through ion channels present in the cell membranes of root hair cells. These channels allow specific ions to enter the cells.

4. **Active Transport:**
- In the later phase of absorption, carrier proteins come into play. These proteins facilitate the active transport of minerals, which requires energy in the form of ATP. This process helps in moving ions against their concentration gradient.

5. **Evaluating the Options:**
- **Option A:** Carrier proteins of root hair cells - This is correct as they are responsible for transporting minerals.
- **Option B:** Perforations of the apex of root hair cells - This is incorrect; root hair cells do not have perforations for absorption.
- **Option C:** The cell wall which is semi-permeable - This is incorrect; the cell wall is fully permeable, not semi-permeable.
- **Option D:** None of these - This is incorrect since option A is correct.

6. **Conclusion:**
- Based on the evaluation of the options, the correct answer is **A. Carrier proteins of root hair cells**.

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