Question

The practice of breaking of rocks during rainy season by inserting wooden pegs in them is based on the phenomenon of (a) imbibition pressure (b) turgor pressure (c) osmotic pressure (d) wall pressure.

Short answer

The practice of breaking rocks by inserting wooden pegs in them during the rainy season is based on the phenomenon of (a) imbibition pressure.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

Recognize that the exercise is asking to identify the type of pressure involved in a natural process where wooden pegs cause rocks to break when they absorb water.

Recall the Definition of Imbibition

Imbibition is the process of absorption of water by substances causing them to swell without forming a solution. This swelling can generate pressure against a constraining structure.

Analyzing the Phenomenon

In the rainy season, wooden pegs absorb water, swell due to imbibition, and create pressure within the rocks. This pressure can cause the rocks to crack or break.

Identifying the Correct Option

The process described in the question is best characterized by imbibition pressure, because it specifically involves the absorption of water and the resultant swelling of the wooden pegs, leading to the breaking of rocks.

Key concepts

Imbibition in Plants

Imbibition is a fascinating phenomenon observed in nature, particularly within the context of plant biology. It refers to the absorption of water by solid particles of an organic substance, which leads to their increase in volume.

For example, seeds exhibit imbibition when they absorb water, leading to germination. This process is crucial as it initiates the growth of a plant from a seed by activating the metabolic processes needed for development.

Role in Seed Germination

During seed germination, imbibition triggers the expansion of the seed, which can generate enough force to break through the soil or even hard materials like rocks. This explains how powerful imbibition pressure can be. It's the first step in the journey of a seed transforming into a sapling and eventually a full-grown plant.

Imbibition isn't limited to seeds, though. It plays a pivotal role in other plant activities, such as the transport of nutrients through the plant’s vascular system. Absorbing water through imbibition helps maintain the plant's rigidity and structural integrity.

Biological Processes

Imbibition is just one example of the numerous biological processes that enable life on Earth. These processes are a series of chemical reactions or physical changes that contribute to an organism's growth, reproduction, and survival.

Biological processes are interconnected and can be categorized broadly into metabolic processes, like photosynthesis in plants, and physiological processes, such as muscle contraction and neural activities in animals.

Interdependence of Processes

In plants, processes ranging from respiration to transpiration are all interlinked, creating a finely balanced system that supports plant life. Each process is dependent on the other, and any disruption can affect the organism's functioning. For instance, without photosynthesis, plants would not produce the glucose necessary for respiration, highlighting the delicate balance within these processes.

Water Absorption Mechanism

The mechanism by which plants absorb water is essential for their survival. Roots are primarily responsible for water uptake, utilizing several methods, including osmosis, diffusion, and imbibition.

Root hair cells play a crucial role, increasing the surface area through which water can be absorbed. Osmosis facilitates the movement of water from an area of low solute concentration (in the soil) to an area of high solute concentration (inside the root hair cells).

Efficiency of Water Uptake

Being efficient in water absorption is vital for a plant’s growth and wellbeing. The water travels from the roots to different parts of the plant, distributing vital nutrients and maintaining cell turgidity. The vascular system, including xylem and phloem, is integral to this process, as it acts as a conduit system for water and solutes throughout the plant.