(i) Plants absorb water from the soil. Explain how it is taken up and transported from the soil. (ii) “When we are injured and start bleeding, it requires the loss of blood from the system to be minimized.” What will happen if the blood loss is not stopped? Is there anything the system could do on its own to prevent the loss?

Absorption:

Plants absorb water from the soil through root hairs by osmosis. These hairs increase surface area and absorb water from the soil where water concentration is higher than in root cells.

Transport:

Water moves from root hairs → cortex → xylem of the root → stem → leaves via xylem vessels using:

• Root pressure
• Capillary action
• Transpiration pull (major force, caused by water loss from leaves creating suction)

If blood loss isn’t stopped:

• The person may go into shock due to reduced blood volume.
• Oxygen delivery to tissues decreases, leading to organ failure or even death in severe cases.

How the body prevents it:

• The body triggers clotting mechanisms.
• Platelets collect at the injury site and release chemicals to form fibrin threads, creating a blood clot that seals the wound.