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How would cohesion and adhesion help move water+ nutrients, up the trunk of a tree or through blood vessels?

a) Cohesion causes water to flow downward
b) Adhesion prevents nutrient absorption
c) Cohesion and adhesion create a vacuum
d) Cohesion and adhesion facilitate upward movement

User Janks
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Cohesion and adhesion are critical properties that facilitate the upward movement of water and nutrients in plants and animals, through the processes of capillary action and interaction with vessel walls.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cohesion and adhesion facilitate upward movement in the transport of water and nutrients in both plants and animals. Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules themselves, and this property contributes to the surface tension that allows, for example, insects to walk on water. In plants, cohesion creates a continuous column of water molecules from the roots to the leaves that is essential for the upward movement of water and nutrients due to a process known as capillary action.

On the other hand, adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and the inner walls of plant vessels or blood vessels in animals. Adhesion helps water molecules to stick to the walls of the xylem in plants, thus supporting water movement against gravity.

Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is 'Cohesion and adhesion facilitate upward movement' (Choice d).

User Auburg
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