Question

which of the following best explains how water is transported from the roots of a plant, through its xylem in the stem, and out to the leaves? a water is polar, and the walls of the xylem are nonpolar. water molecules have the ability to form hydrogen bonds with one another but not with the xylem walls. b water is nonpolar, and the walls of the xylem are polar. water molecules are able to form hydrogen bonds with the xylem walls, and they are pulled up the xylem. c water and the xylem are both nonpolar. water molecules have the ability to form hydrogen bonds with one another but not with the xylem walls. d water and the xylem are both polar. water molecules have the ability to form hydrogen bonds with each other and with the walls of the xylem.

Explanation:

Water is a polar molecule. The xylem walls also have polar - like characteristics. Cohesion (hydrogen - bonding between water molecules) and adhesion (hydrogen - bonding between water molecules and xylem walls) work together to pull water up the xylem from the roots to the leaves. Option D correctly states that water and the xylem are both polar and water molecules can form hydrogen bonds with each other and with the xylem walls.

Answer:

D. Water and the xylem are both polar. Water molecules have the ability to form hydrogen bonds with each other and with the walls of the xylem.