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CAIE IGCSE Biology 8.2 Water Uptake by Roots

Practise water uptake by roots by identifying root hairs, tracing water through cortex cells into xylem and interpreting stained transport-tissue evidence.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Biology 0610

Exam points

  • identify root hair cells and link their surface area to water or mineral-ion uptake
  • sequence water movement from soil to root hair cells, cortex cells and xylem
  • use dye-stained shoots or roots to identify xylem as the water transport route

Covered syllabus points

8.2.1—Root hair cells and state their8.2.2—Large surface area of root hairs8.2.3—Pathway taken by water through8.2.4—Investigate, using a suitable stain

8.2 Water uptake question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

The diagram shows a bean seedling soon after it has germinated.
Where is most water absorbed?

Figure for Question 8.2 Water uptake question 1 — CAIE IGCSE Biology

8.2 Water uptake question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

How is the structure of root hair cells related to their function?

A

They have chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

B

Their cell wall is partially permeable to absorb water by osmosis.

C

They have a large surface area to increase the rate of mineral ion uptake.

D

Both the cell wall and cell membrane control the active uptake of mineral ions.

8.2 Water uptake question 3

[Maximum number: 2]

Describe the pathway a water molecule takes from the soil to reach the xylem.

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