Multiple choice

In plant roots, the casparian strip is correctly described by which of the following?

  1. It is located in the walls between endodermal cells and cortex cells.

  2. It provides energy for the active transport of minerals into the vascular bundle from the cortex.

  3. It ensures that all minerals are absorbed from the soil in equal amounts.

  4. It ensures that all water and dissolved substances must pass through a cell before entering the vascular bundle.
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D Correct answer
Explanation

The Casparian strip is a waterproof band made of suberin around endodermal cells. It blocks the apoplastic pathway, forcing all water and dissolved minerals to pass THROUGH the cytoplasm of endodermal cells (symplastic pathway) before entering the vascular bundle. This provides selective control over nutrient uptake.

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