- Root hairs are extensions of the cells that form the outer layer of plant roots
- These cells are known as root hair cells
- Every root will have many root hairs, greatly increasing the root surface area available for absorption of water from the soil
- Water enters the root hair cells by osmosis
- Water moves into root hair cells down a water concentration gradient because there is a higher concentration of water in the soil than there is inside the root hair cells
Root hair cell diagram
Root hair cells have a large surface area, increasing the absorption of water by osmosis