Gums and resins absorb water by

Options

A. Osmosis
B. Imbibition
C. Guttation
D. Facilitated diffusion

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks how gums and resins absorb water. We need to analyze the options provided to find the correct mechanism of water absorption.

2. **Reviewing the Options**:
- **Option A: Osmosis** - This is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
- **Option B: Imbibition** - This is the process by which water is absorbed by solids, causing them to swell. It is a type of diffusion that occurs when dried or semi-dried materials take up water.
- **Option C: Guttation** - This is the process of water exudation from the leaves of plants, usually occurring at night.
- **Option D: Facilitated Diffusion** - This is the process of passive transport of molecules across a biological membrane via specific transmembrane integral proteins.

3. **Identifying the Correct Answer**: Among the options, imbibition is the most appropriate mechanism for how gums and resins absorb water. Gums and resins are typically dried materials that can absorb water through this process.

4. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is **Option B: Imbibition**. This process allows dried materials like gums and resins to absorb water effectively.