Root cells obtain energy through the process of cellular respiration, which takes place in the mitochondria, a organelle present in all plant cells including the roots.
During cellular respiration, cells break down glucose molecules and convert them into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell. This process involves multiple steps, starting with glycolysis in the cytoplasm, followed by the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria.
In the mitochondria, the electron transport chain uses oxygen to help generate ATP molecules through a series of redox reactions. This process produces carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. The ATP molecules generated are then used by the cell for various metabolic processes and activities, providing the energy needed for root growth, nutrient uptake, and overall plant function.
Overall, cellular respiration is essential for root cells to obtain the energy they need to carry out their functions and support the growth and survival of the plant as a whole.