IB Biology Exam Prep

Category - Biology

The ability of plants to transport water and dissolved nutrients against the force of gravity is directly attributable to the:
  1. Cohesion of water molecules.
  2. Breaking of hydrogen bonds in liquid water.
  3. Temperature-induced changes in water density.
  4. High specific heat of liquid water.
Explanation
Correct Response: A. Water molecules (H2O) are polar and form hydrogen bonds between oxygen and hydrogen atoms on neighboring water molecules. This tendency of water molecules to "stick" to one another allows them to pull one another up through the roots and stem as water evaporates from the leaves of the plant. If the hydrogen bonds between water molecules are broken (B), water loses its cohesion and thus its ability to draw water molecules up through the plant. Water transport in plants does not involve temperature-induced changes in water density (C) or the high specific heat of liquid water (D).
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