- A Is adsorption of water by hydrophilic colloids like cell wall and storage proteins
- B Takes place in animal tissue rather than plant tissue in general clinical practice
- C Needs metabolic energy supplied by respiration in the seed according to standard texts
- D Needs a semi-permeable membrane separating two unequal solutions under typical physiological conditions
Correct answer: A. Is adsorption of water by hydrophilic colloids like cell wall and storage proteins
Explanation: Imbibition is the diffusion of water into solids (like dry seeds) that causes them to swell, driven by adsorption onto hydrophilic surfaces, and does not require a semi-permeable membrane the way osmosis does.
Concept context
Water and mineral absorption, the ascent of sap, transpiration, and phloem transport via the pressure flow hypothesis.