Difference Between Passive and Active Water Absorption:
The following are the points of difference between Passive and Active Water Absorption-
| Passive Water Absorption | Active Water Absorption |
|---|---|
| During passive water absorption, only solar energy is utilized. | During active water absorption, metabolic energy is utilized. |
| The pressure for absorption is not developed in roots and hence roots play a passive role. | Active absorption takes place by the activity of root and root hairs. |
| There is negative pressure or tension in the xylem. | There is positive pressure in the xylem. |
| Water is absorbed as a result of tension created by transpirational pull. | Water is absorbed by roots by osmosis against a concentration gradient. |
| It is dependent on transpiration. When the transpiration is fast, passive water absorption takes place. | It is independent of transpiration. |
| As the force resides in a shoot, the shoot is essential for passive water absorption. | As the force resides in a root, the shoot is not essential for active water absorption. |
| Living cells are not required for passive water absorption. | Living cells are essential. They either pump water or deposit salts into the xylem. |
| Respiratory energy not required | Respiratory energy needed. |
| Metabolic poisons have little effect. | Metabolic poisons immediately stop active water absorption. |
| Both symplast and apoplast movement of water involved | It involves symplastic movement of water |
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