How would a mutation that impairs the function of aquaporins in root cells most likely affect water uptake via the apoplast pathway?
Understand the Problem
The question describes a plant with a mutation affecting aquaporins, which are proteins that facilitate water transport across cell membranes. It is asking how this mutation would affect water uptake via the apoplast pathway. The apoplast pathway is one of the two main ways water moves through plant roots, specifically through the cell walls and intercellular spaces, without crossing any cell membranes. The other pathway is the symplast pathway, where water moves through the cytoplasm of cells.
Answer
Impaired aquaporins minimally affect the apoplast pathway, as it bypasses cell membranes where aquaporins function.
A mutation that impairs aquaporins would primarily affect the cell-to-cell pathway of water uptake. Since the apoplast pathway bypasses cell membranes, the effect on water uptake via the apoplast pathway would be minimal. However, with less water entering via the cell-to-cell pathway, water may be drawn to the apoplast pathway.
Answer for screen readers
A mutation that impairs aquaporins would primarily affect the cell-to-cell pathway of water uptake. Since the apoplast pathway bypasses cell membranes, the effect on water uptake via the apoplast pathway would be minimal. However, with less water entering via the cell-to-cell pathway, water may be drawn to the apoplast pathway.
More Information
Aquaporins are water channel proteins that facilitate water transport across cell membranes. The apoplast pathway involves water movement through the cell walls and intercellular spaces, bypassing the need to cross any membranes. The symplast pathway involves the movement of water through the cytoplasm of cells, which means that water must cross the cell membrane.
Tips
It is important to remember that water can move through a plant through more than one pathway. The two main pathways are the apoplast and symplast pathways. Apoplast is outside the cell membrane, symplast is inside the cell membrane.
Sources
- Aquaporins: Highly Regulated Channels Controlling Plant Water ... - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Aquaporin - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
- The Role of Aquaporins in Root Water Uptake - PMC - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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