Water and minerals enter the plant primarily through the roots, which act as an entry point for essential nutrients. This movement occurs through three main pathways: symplasmic, vacuolar, and apoplasmic transport. The symplasmic route involves water traveling through the cytoplasm of cells via plasmodesmata, ensuring a controlled transport process. The vacuolar pathway requires water to pass through vacuoles, while the apoplasmic route allows water to move freely through cell walls and intercellular spaces. A crucial component of this system is the Casparian strip, a waterproof band in the root endodermis that forces water and minerals to pass through selective cell membranes, preventing harmful substances from entering the plant’s vascular system. This selective transport ensures that only necessary nutrients reach the xylem for further movement.
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