The Root Hair Cell

The root hair cell is how water enters into a plant. Water has to get from the soil, through the root and into the xylem- the system of vessels that transports water throughout the plant. The bit of the root that absorbs water is covered in root hairs. These increases the surface area of the root., speeding up water uptake. Once its absorbed, the water has to get through the cortex, including the endodermis, before it can reach the xylem.

Water always moves from an area of higher water potential to an area of lower water potential- it goes down a water potential gradient. The soil around the roots generally has a high water potential and leaves however have a lower water potenial. This creates a water potential…