Root hair cells and active transport

• Root hair cells are covered in millions of microscopic hairs which give the plant a larger surface area for absorbing water and mineral ions from the soil.
• Plants need these mineral ions for healthy growth.
• The concentration of minerals is usually higher in the root hair cells than in the soil around them, which means the root hair cells can't use diffusion to take up minerals from the soil.
• Active transport allows the plant to absorb minerals.from a very dilute solution, against a concentration gradient. This is essential for growth of the plant but active transport needs energy from respiration to make it work.