Final answer:
Root hairs increase the surface area of plant roots, enhancing the absorption of water and minerals, which is essential for maintaining plant health and growth. option b is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The importance of the root hairs to the plant is that they increase the surface area of the roots, which greatly enhances the absorption of water and minerals from the soil. The epidermis of the root provides protection and aids in absorption, with the root hairs being extensions of the root's epidermal cells.
When root hairs absorb water, this action is often driven by a negative water potential, and once inside the plant, cohesion and adhesion help draw water up through the plant's vascular system. Additionally, through a process known as transpiration, water exits the plant through the stomata.
The most accurate statement explaining the importance of root hairs to the plant is option b. Root hairs play a crucial role in increasing the surface area of the roots, facilitating enhanced nutrient absorption from the soil. This increased surface area allows the plant to acquire essential water and minerals efficiently.
As the primary site for water and nutrient uptake, root hairs contribute significantly to the plant's overall growth and development. Unlike options a, c, and d, which misrepresent the functions of root hairs, option b aligns with their role in nutrient and water absorption, emphasizing their vital role in sustaining the plant's physiological processes.