Water uptake — Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science
How root hair cells absorb water and mineral ions, and the pathway water takes from the soil through the root and xylem to the leaf.
Revision notes
1 short note, in the order of the specification. Each one in short:
A root hair cell is a cell in the outer layer of the root with a long, thin extension that absorbs water and mineral ions from the soil. The root hair gives a large surface area, which increases uptake. Water then passes through the root cortex cells, into the xylem, and up to the mesophyll cells of the leaf.
Exam questions
4 exam-style questions (9 marks), each with its mark scheme.
Answer the questionsFlashcards
3 cards: flip them, mark what you knew, and practise the rest.
Practise the cardsMind map
The whole of transport in plants on one page, so you can see where this subtopic fits.
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Quick check questions
What do root hair cells absorb?
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Water and mineral ions.
Supplement Why does a root hair increase uptake?
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It gives the cell a large surface area.
Give the pathway of water in order.
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Root hair cells, root cortex cells, xylem, mesophyll cells.
Written and checked against the Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science (0653) specification · Updated October 2026