Find the best tutors and institutes for Class 11 Tuition
Q5(e):
Differentiate between the following:
(e) Apoplast and Symplast pathways of movement of water in plants.
Solution :
Definition and Theoretical Basis
The transport of water through the root cortex occurs via two distinct pathways, defined by the structural components of the plant cell wall and the protoplast. These pathways determine the resistance and velocity of water transport toward the xylem.
| Feature | Apoplast Pathway | Symplast Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Movement through non-living parts (cell walls and intercellular spaces). | Movement through living parts (cytoplasm, interconnected via plasmodesmata). |
| Continuity | Discontinuous at the Casparian strip in the endodermis. | Continuous throughout the plant via plasmodesmata. |
| Resistance | Offers minimal resistance due to the porous nature of cell walls [Per Darcy's Law for porous media]. | Offers higher resistance due to the viscosity of the cytoplasm and plasma membrane barriers. |
| Metabolic Dependence | Passive process; does not require metabolic energy ($ATP$). | Influenced by cytoplasmic streaming and membrane transport; may be metabolically active. |
Structural Visualization
Mechanism and Physiological Constraints
1. Apoplastic Movement: This pathway consists of the system of adjacent cell walls that are continuous throughout the plant, except at the Casparian strips of the endodermis in the roots [By the Anatomy of Root Endodermis]. Because the cell wall is composed of cellulose microfibrils and pectins, water moves through capillary action and bulk flow.
2. Symplastic Movement: This pathway involves the system of interconnected protoplasts. Neighboring cells are connected through cytoplasmic strands that extend through the cell walls, known as plasmodesmata [As defined by the Cell Theory of multicellular organisms].
3. The Endodermal Constraint: At the endodermis, the Apoplast pathway is blocked by the Casparian strip—a waxy layer of suberin. Consequently, water is forced to enter the symplast to cross the endodermis and reach the xylem vessels. This transition represents a vital physiological "checkpoint" for the plant to regulate ion uptake [Per the Selective Permeability Membrane Theory].
Final Solution: The Apoplast pathway utilizes the non-living cell wall continuum for bulk water flow, while the Symplast pathway utilizes the living cytoplasmic continuum connected by plasmodesmata; the two systems integrate at the endodermal layer to ensure controlled xylem loading.
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(d): Differentiate between the following: (d) Imbibition and Diffusion
- 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
Top Tutors who teach Transport in Plants
Top Tutor
Indirapuram, Ghaziabad
5 yrs of
Exp
39 hrs of classes completed
Online Classes
I was a working professional .Left my job and started teaching as a tutor. I have been a national level debater . I am a famous teacher amongst my students .
Top Tutor
Naskar Bagan, Kolkata
2 yrs of
Exp
5 students
207 hrs of classes completed
400
per hour
Online Classes
Student's Home
Tutor's home
🚀 High-Impact Computer Science & IP Tutoring for CBSE& CISCE Class 10, 11 & 12 Hi! I’m a B.C.A. graduate and experienced online educator dedicated to helping students build genuine logical thinking and ace their board examinations. Having scored 94/100 in my own Class 12 Computer Science boards using highly efficient study strategies, I know exactly how to simplify the syllabus for maximum understanding and top marks. I bridge the gap between memorizing syntax and actually understanding how to code. 🌟 Why Choose My Classes? 1. Targeted Expertise: Specialized coaching for CBSE & CISCE Class 10 ,11 & 12 Computer Science, Informatics Practices (IP), and Information Technology (including Java, Python programming and database management). 2. Proven Resources: Standard reference alignment, custom study notes, topic-wise assignments, and rigorous mock tests. 3. Interactive Learning: 100% online sessions utilizing dynamic PPTs and live whiteboards—no boring lectures, just hands-on, practical coding. 4. Track Record: Successfully coached students from top schools to become confident, independent problem solvers. 5. My Approach: I don't just teach you how to write code; I teach you how to think like a programmer so you can approach any exam question with confidence. Let’s turn coding anxiety into board exam success.
He is the best teacher. He explains in easy language and develops a good bond with the student.
Super Tutor
Nerul, Mumbai
10 yrs of
Exp
6 students
711 hrs of classes completed
800
per hour
Online Classes
I'm an ex-faculty member of Allen, FIITJEE & Unacademy, and I taught in DAV for 2 years. Now I'm working as a freelancer. I have more than 10 years of experience. So overall I've all kinds of experience to meet with academic & JEE aspirants as well. Join me to learn mathematics from basic to advanced.
Sir, explains topics very clearly nicely explains doubt very nicely with high conceptual knowledge.
Top Tutor
Mathura Road, Delhi
20 yrs of
Exp
12 students
1740 hrs of classes completed
1000
per hour
Online Classes
Tutor's home
I am in this profession of teaching in an university for about 20 years. Every time whenever I am going to teach a class as a part of this noble profession .....I am learning also. I am trying consistently ....how to represent, interpret, summarize and rethink about the whole concept I wish to teach or rather inspire my students in a specific period of time assigned to me.
Sir gives very excellent training and he makes sure that we can understand every single topic in any chapter. The audio and video quality is excellent. The teaching methods are very creative and simple to understand. Sir also gives many questions that are twisted so that we can answer any types of questions in exams and competitions. Recommending this sir for tuitions.
Super Tutor
Okkiyam Thuraipakkam, Chennai
5 yrs of
Exp
14 students
892 hrs of classes completed
300
per hour
Online Classes
I have taught online for almost 5 years in Economics for class XI students, both for CBSE and ISC/ICSE. I have been giving 1:1 and group classes to the students. My students have always enjoyed learning with me and have achieved their best. First of all of my students start loving the subject as well as gain confidence in themselves. I feel encouraged to teach more by the feedbacks and the excellent results by my students. Almost all of them continue learning with me in class 12 as well. Further in 12 I give complete preparation for board exam.
Great tutoring experience, syllabus is completed and revision has already started a month before final examination.
