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BIO NMDCAT Biological Importance of Water
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

A key property of water that facilitates the upward transport of minerals in the xylem against gravity is its

A. High density relative to soil particles
B. Ability to form strong adhesive interactions with the polar cellulose of xylem walls
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C. Capacity to dissolve and transport non-polar molecules
D. High coefficient of thermal expansion

📝 Explanation

Adhesion is the attraction of water to the xylem walls (cellulose is polar with many -OH groups). This adhesion helps to counteract gravity and, combined with cohesion, allows for a continuous capillary column. The transpiration-cohesion-tension mechanism relies on both adhesion and cohesion.

📖 Additional Information

  • High density relative to soil particles
  • Ability to form strong adhesive interactions with the polar cellulose of xylem walls
  • Capacity to dissolve and transport non-polar molecules
  • High coefficient of thermal expansion

Adhesion is the attraction of water to the xylem walls (cellulose is polar with many -OH groups). This adhesion helps to counteract gravity and, combined with cohesion, allows for a continuous capillary column. The transpiration-cohesion-tension mechanism relies on both adhesion and cohesion.

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