Q27 / 200 · MHT CET - Medical 2026 (22 April Shift 2) · Biology
Which one of the following does NOT favour absorption of water in plants?
- ALow concentration of solutes in soil water.
- BIncreased transpiration rates.
- CPresence of capillary water.
- Correct answerDPoorly aerated soil.
Solution
Water absorption by plant roots is influenced by several environmental factors.
Low concentration of solutes in soil water means the soil solution is hypotonic compared to the root cell sap, creating a water potential gradient that favours water absorption.
Increased transpiration rates create a strong transpiration pull, which is the primary driving force for passive water absorption in plants.
Capillary water is the only form of soil water readily available to plants, so its presence favours absorption.
Poorly aerated soil lacks sufficient oxygen required for root respiration. This reduces the metabolic activity of root cells, inhibiting root growth and decreasing the rate of water absorption. Therefore, poorly aerated soil does not favour the absorption of water.
Answer: Poorly aerated soil.
Low concentration of solutes in soil water means the soil solution is hypotonic compared to the root cell sap, creating a water potential gradient that favours water absorption.
Increased transpiration rates create a strong transpiration pull, which is the primary driving force for passive water absorption in plants.
Capillary water is the only form of soil water readily available to plants, so its presence favours absorption.
Poorly aerated soil lacks sufficient oxygen required for root respiration. This reduces the metabolic activity of root cells, inhibiting root growth and decreasing the rate of water absorption. Therefore, poorly aerated soil does not favour the absorption of water.
Answer: Poorly aerated soil.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.