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Q5(d):
Differentiate between the following:
(d) Imbibition and Diffusion
Solution :
Comparison of Imbibition and Diffusion
The transport of water and solutes in plant systems relies on various physical processes. Diffusion and Imbibition are both passive transport phenomena, yet they differ significantly in their mechanism, the nature of the medium, and their thermodynamic implications.
| Feature | Diffusion | Imbibition |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Net movement of molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. | Special type of diffusion where water is absorbed by solids (colloids), causing them to increase in volume. |
| Nature of Particle | Involves gases, liquids, and solutes. | Primarily involves solid particles (adsorbents) like starch, cellulose, and proteins. |
| Medium Requirement | Does not require a specific solid matrix; can occur in liquids or gases. | Requires a solid or semi-solid hydrophilic matrix (imbibant). |
| Volume Change | Generally involves no significant change in the volume of the system. | Results in a significant increase in the volume of the imbibant (swelling). |
| Thermodynamics | Driven by the random kinetic energy of molecules [Per the Kinetic Molecular Theory]. | Driven by the matric potential ($\psi_m$) and high affinity between the water and the adsorbing surface. |
1. Mechanism of Diffusion
Diffusion is defined by the random kinetic movement of particles. The net rate of diffusion ($J$) is given by Fick's First Law:
$J = -D \frac{dc}{dx}$
[Where $J$ is the diffusion flux, $D$ is the diffusion coefficient, and $\frac{dc}{dx}$ is the concentration gradient]. Particles move down their electrochemical gradient without the requirement of metabolic energy ($ATP$).
2. Mechanism of Imbibition
Imbibition is essentially the adsorption of water into a solid matrix. It is governed by the water potential equation:
$\psi_w = \psi_s + \psi_p + \psi_m$
[Where $\psi_m$ (matric potential) represents the negative pressure exerted by the matrix on water]. Because the matrix has a high affinity for water, the water potential of the matrix is extremely low (highly negative), facilitating the inward pull of water molecules into the structure.
Final Solution: While both processes involve the movement of water along a gradient, diffusion is a general kinetic process of molecular movement, whereas imbibition is a specific case of water adsorption by hydrophilic solid colloids, resulting in matrix swelling and significant matric potential interactions.
More Questions from Class 11 Biology Transport in Plants EXERCISES
- Q1: What are the factors affecting the rate of diffusion?
- Q2: What are porins? What role do they play in diffusion?
- Q3: Describe the role played by protein pumps during active transport in plants.
- Q4: Explain why pure water has the maximum water potential.
- Q5(a): Differentiate between the following: (a) Diffusion and Osmosis
- Q5(b): Differentiate between the following: (b) Transpiration and Evaporation
- Q5(c): Differentiate between the following: (c) Osmotic Pressure and Osmotic Potential
- Q5(e): Differentiate between the following: (e) Apoplast and Symplast pathways of movement of water in plants.
- Q5(f): Differentiate between the following: (f) Guttation and Transpiration.
- Q6: Briefly describe water potential. What are the factors affecting it?
- Q7: What happens when a pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure is applied to pure water or a solution?
- Q8(a): (a) With the help of well-labelled diagrams, describe the process of plasmolysis in plants, giving appropriate examples.
- Q8(b): (b) Explain what will happen to a plant cell if it is kept in a solution having higher water potential.
- Q9: How is the mycorrhizal association helpful in absorption of water and minerals in plants?
- Q10: What role does root pressure play in water movement in plants?
- Q11: Describe transpiration pull model of water transport in plants. What are the factors influencing transpiration? How is it useful to plants?
- Q12: Discuss the factors responsible for ascent of xylem sap in plants.
- Q13: What essential role does the root endodermis play during mineral absorption in plants?
- Q14: Explain why xylem transport is unidirectional and phloem transport bi-directional.
- Q15: Explain pressure flow hypothesis of translocation of sugars in plants.
- Q16: What causes the opening and closing of guard cells of stomata during transpiration?
CBSE Solutions for Class 11 Biology Transport in Plants
Chapters in CBSE - Class 11 Biology
- The Living World
- Biological Classification
- Plant Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom
- Morphology of Flowering Plants
- Anatomy of Flowering Plants
- Structural Organisation in Animals
- Cell – The Unit of Life
- Biomolecules
- Cell Cycle and Division
- Mineral Nutrition
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration in Plants
- Plant Growth and Development
- Digestion and Absorption
- Breathing and Exchange of Gases
- Body Fluids and Circulation
- Excretory Products and Elimination
- Locomotion and Movement
- Neural Control and Coordination
- Chemical Coordination and Integration
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