- A Cell membranes and cytoplasm via osmotic gradients between cells
- B Cell walls and intercellular spaces (no membranes crossed)
- C Central vacuoles of cortical cells linked by tonoplast continuity
- D Plasmodesmata connecting the cytoplasm of adjacent cortical cells
Correct answer: B. Cell walls and intercellular spaces (no membranes crossed)
Explanation: Apoplast pathway: water moves through cell walls and intercellular spaces. Blocked at Casparian strip in endodermis, forcing water through symplast.
Concept context
Water and mineral absorption, the ascent of sap, transpiration, and phloem transport via the pressure flow hypothesis.