Seaweed absorbs water directly from its surrounding environment.
How Seaweed Absorbs Water
Unlike land plants that use roots to draw water from the soil, seaweed lacks true roots. It also does not possess the internal transport systems for water like vascular plants do. Instead, seaweed uses a much simpler method of water uptake.
Direct Absorption Through Blades
- Seaweed absorbs water directly through its entire surface, especially via its blades.
- This method is possible because seaweed is constantly submerged in seawater.
- The water readily passes through the surface of the seaweed, providing it with the hydration it needs to survive.
How Seaweed Absorbs Nutrients
According to the provided reference from 12-Jun-2006, seaweed absorbs minerals and gases directly from seawater through the surface of their blades. This mechanism is the same as their method for water absorption.
| Feature | Seaweed | Land Plants |
|---|---|---|
| Roots | Absent | Present |
| Water Transport | Direct absorption through surface | Internal transport systems (xylem) |
| Absorption | Surface of blades | Through roots |
In essence, seaweed's simple structure allows it to efficiently absorb water directly from its environment.
