- A Moves through cytoplasm of cells joined by plasmodesmata
- B Stays mainly within cell walls, rarely crossing a membrane
- C Is largely blocked by the Casparian strip in the endodermis
- D Occurs mainly within xylem vessels, rather than root cortex cells
Correct answer: A. Moves through cytoplasm of cells joined by plasmodesmata
Explanation: In the symplast pathway, water moves through the continuous cytoplasm of cells connected by plasmodesmata, crossing at least one membrane, unlike the apoplast pathway, which moves through cell walls and intercellular spaces.
Concept context
Water and mineral absorption, the ascent of sap, transpiration, and phloem transport via the pressure flow hypothesis.