[Campbell Biology P.833] According to the provided text, what is the primary driving force f... | Practice Question

According to the provided text, what is the primary driving force for the upward movement of water and minerals from the roots to the leaves in most vascular plants?

  • A: Root pressure pushing water up through the xylem.
  • B: Positive pressure generated by the active transport of water into xylem.
  • C: Negative pressure (tension) generated by the evaporation of water from the leaves.
  • D: Bidirectional flow of water molecules through the phloem.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: "Water and minerals are pulled up from the roots by negative pressure tension generated by evaporation from the leaves." This describes the cohesion-tension mechanism of water transport.