The primary function of root hair is to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. A single root can have millions of root hair cells, increasing the overall surface area for water absorption. Size The dimension of root hair cells ranges between 15-17 μm in diameter and 80-1500 μm in length.
Structure
Function: what do root hair cells do
Like any other plant cell, it is bound by a cell wall and a semi-permeable cell membrane. It also possesses a large central vacuole and mitochondria lying on the cytoplasm. The mitochondria supply the required energy during the active transport of minerals and ions, i.e., taking up ions against the concentration gradient. Being a living cell, it contains a nucleus, which gets pushed to the corner by the vacuole. The primary function of root hair is water and nutrient acquisition. These minute structures provide a large surface area for the active uptake of water and minerals. Other functions Some other roles of root hair include:
Anchor the plant to the ground.Interact with soil microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi.Directly involved in the formation of root nodules in legume plants.Secrete some acids, such as malic and citric acid, which solubilize minerals by changing their oxidation state, making the ions easier to absorb.
