The physiological process that helps in the uptake of water and salts in plants is _______

Options

A. diffusion
B. photosynthesis
C. respiration
D. osmosis

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the physiological processes listed**: The question provides four physiological processes: diffusion, photosynthesis, respiration, and osmosis.

2. **Understand each process**:
- **Photosynthesis**: This is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (food). It does not involve the uptake of water and salts.
- **Respiration**: This is a biochemical process that involves the breakdown of glucose to produce energy (ATP). It is not directly related to the uptake of water and salts.
- **Diffusion**: This is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. While water can diffuse, this process does not specifically refer to the uptake of water in plants.
- **Osmosis**: This is a specific type of diffusion that involves the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration.

3. **Determine the most relevant process**: Since the question specifically asks about the uptake of water and salts in plants, and considering that osmosis involves the movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane, it is the most relevant process.

4. **Conclude the answer**: The physiological process that helps in the uptake of water and salts in plants is **osmosis**.

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