What important role does the Casparian strip play in the movement of water through plants? a. forces water to move through the cytoplasm of living endodermal cells as it makes its way from the soil to the xylem b. causes cells to shrink, thereby increasing pressure within cells c. loads sugars into xylem, thereby causing water to enter the xylem by osmosis d. acts as a filter that prevents salts, heavy metals, and other pollutants from entering root hairs

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of the Casparian strip: The Casparian strip is a band of cell wall material found in the endodermal cells of plant roots. It is impregnated with suberin, a waxy substance that is impermeable to water and dissolved substances.
2. Recognize the function of the Casparian strip: The Casparian strip blocks the passive flow of materials such as water and solutes into the xylem via the space between cells (apoplast). This ensures that all materials must pass through the cytoplasm of the endodermal cells.
3. Analyze the options: Option (a) suggests that the Casparian strip forces water to move through the cytoplasm of living endodermal cells as it makes its way from the soil to the xylem. This aligns with the function of the Casparian strip in controlling what substances enter the vascular system of the plant.
4. Eliminate other options: Option (b) is incorrect as the Casparian strip does not cause cells to shrink. Option (c) is incorrect as the Casparian strip does not load sugars into the xylem. Option (d) is partially correct as the Casparian strip does act as a filter, but it does not specifically prevent pollutants from entering root hairs; it regulates entry into the xylem.