How do the roots of plants absorb water?

The roots have thin layered, unicellular outgrowths of the epidermis; which are called root hairs. They increase the surface area for absorption of water from the soil. Following are the steps of absorption of water:

• Water is absorbed by the root hairs by the process of Osmosis. The concentration of water molecules is more in soil as compared to the cell. This causes osmosis to occur, and so water is absorbed by the root hair cells from outside as shown in the given diagram.
• Water molecules move through osmosis from root hair cells to adjacent cells of the inner tissue.
• This process continues until water reaches the xylem tissue in the root. Thus, water moves from root hair cells through the root cortex to the xylem in the root.
• Inside the xylem, water travels upwards from one cell to another against the force of gravity.

Below diagrams shows the absorption and movement of water in root cells: