Question

one of the physical properties of water, cohesion, is vital to the survival of plants. which of the following statements describes how the property of cohesion is important to plants?
a cohesion enables water to move through plants.
b cohesion enables dissolution of plant minerals in water.
c cohesion promotes the reaction of water during plant photosynthesis.
d cohesion promotes the process of evaporation of water from plant leaves.

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement about cohesion's importance to plants, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Cohesion (attraction between water molecules) allows water to form continuous columns in xylem, enabling upward movement (transpiration pull) through plants. This matches the role of cohesion.
• Option 2: Dissolution of minerals in water is due to water’s polarity (solvent property), not cohesion.
• Option 3: Photosynthesis involves chemical reactions of water (splitting), not cohesion.
• Option 4: Evaporation (transpiration) is driven by environmental factors and water’s ability to turn to vapor, not cohesion.

Answer:

A. Cohesion enables water to move through plants.