Water Loss Exceeds Absorption in Plants

Steps:

• Wilting occurs when plant cells lose turgor pressure due to insufficient water.
• Water enters roots through root hairs via osmosis and is transported upward.
• Water exits leaves primarily through stomata during transpiration.
• If transpiration exceeds root absorption, the plant wilts as cells dehydrate.

Why B is correct:

• Wilting results from a water deficit where transpirational loss through open stomata surpasses root hair absorption, per the principle of water balance in plants.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Stomata closure reduces loss, not absorption; root uptake continues independently.
• C: Stomata closure limits transpiration, allowing more relative absorption and preventing wilting.
• D: Equal or greater absorption maintains turgor and avoids wilting.

Final answer: B