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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Root Hair Cell Absorption Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your understanding of how root hair cells absorb water and mineral ions from the soil.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Describe how a root hair cell is adapted for absorbing water from the soil.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Long, thin hair-like extension increases the surface area in contact with soil water.
    2. Thin cell wall reduces the distance for water to travel.
    3. Cell sap in the vacuole has a lower water potential than soil water: water enters by osmosis.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain why mineral ions are absorbed by active transport rather than diffusion.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. The concentration of mineral ions is usually higher inside the root hair cell than in the soil.
    2. Ions must move against the concentration gradient.
    3. Active transport uses energy from respiration to move ions into the cell.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain the process by which water moves from the soil into the root hair cell.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Soil water has a higher water potential than the cell sap in the vacuole.
    2. Water moves by osmosis through the partially permeable cell membrane.
    3. From the higher water potential (soil) to lower water potential (cell).

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Name two mineral ions that plants absorb from the soil.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Nitrate ions (for making amino acids/proteins).
    2. Magnesium ions (for making chlorophyll).

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 4 marks Difficulty 4/5

    A student floods a plant's soil with concentrated salt solution. Predict and explain what would happen to the root hair cells.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. The salt solution has a lower water potential than the cell sap.
    2. Water would move out of the root hair cells by osmosis.
    3. Cells would become plasmolysed: cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall.
    4. The plant would wilt because cells lose turgor.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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