What is symplast pathway?

The symplast pathway is the route of water movement in plants through the cytoplasm of cells connected by plasmodesmata. It allows water to move from cell to cell without crossing membranes repeatedly.

How it works

• Water enters root hair cells by osmosis.
• It then moves through the cytoplasm of neighboring cells via plasmodesmata.
• The movement continues until water reaches the xylem.

Features

• Involves living parts of cells.
• Flow is slower but more controlled than apoplast pathway.
• Regulated by plasma membranes, preventing entry of harmful solutes.