Plant roots are adapted to absorb water and mineral ions

Plants need water for support (to remain turgid) because they don’t have bones, and for photosynthesis in cells. Plants need mineral ions for growth and repair, including nitrate ions as a source of nitrogen to make proteins. Particles of water are absorbed by osmosis, a type of diffusion, into plant root hair cells. Nitrate ions are absorbed into plant root hair cells by active transport, which requires energy. Root hair cells are adapted to increase the surface area of membrane for osmosis and active transport.