Prelims 2013 · archive
EasyMany transplanted seedlings do not grow because:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (c) most of the root hairs are lost during transplantation
Root hairs absorb most of a seedling's water and minerals. When a seedling is lifted and moved, these fine, delicate hairs are torn off. The seedling then cannot take up enough water in its new place, so it wilts and may fail to grow.
- ✓ (c) Root hairs increase the root's surface area for absorbing water and minerals from the soil. Lifting and handling seedlings tears off root hairs, so water uptake drops sharply until new hairs form.
- ✗ (a) Poor minerals in the new soil is not the reason transplants commonly fail. The real problem is that the damaged roots cannot absorb water, whatever the soil.
- ✗ (b) Root hairs work by staying in close contact with soil particles to absorb water. Gripping the soil 'too hard' is not a cause of transplant failure.
- ✗ (d) Leaves may get bruised, but this is not the main reason seedlings fail. Leaves do not take up water from the soil. Gardeners often trim some leaves to reduce water loss while the roots recover.
Remember · Root hairs absorb water and minerals. Many are lost when a seedling is uprooted, so transplants wilt. Hence seedlings are moved with a ball of soil around the roots.
📘 Read it in NCERT: Class 9 Exploration, Ch 3 (practise this chapter)
Sources
- NCERT Class 9 · Exploration, Chapter 3 “In roots, these projections are called root hair, which increase the surface area for absorption of water and minerals from the soil.”
- Using Transplants in Vegetable Production, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources ↗ · reference work “Undercutting and multiple handlings tear off root hairs, wound the young plants, and spread diseases.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2013, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·