Multiple choice

How does a plant accumulate ions from the soil, which has a lower concentration than that in the plant?

  1. It applies pressure to push ions outside the cell.

  2. It applies pressure to push ions into the cell.

  3. It expends energy to transport ions against the concentration gradient.

  4. Its roots grow around soil particles trapping the ions in a cell.

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Active transport moves ions from low concentration in soil to high concentration in plant cells, requiring energy expenditure. This is the opposite of passive diffusion which follows concentration gradients. Options A and B incorrectly suggest pressure mechanisms, while D describes a physical trapping process unrelated to ion uptake.