How are root hair cells adapted to absorb lots of substances from the soil? A) They have a large surface area B) They contain lots of chloroplasts C) They have a large nucleus D) They have no cell membrane

What the question is really asking

Root hair cells take in water and dissolved mineral ions from the soil. So you want the feature that makes absorption faster and more efficient.

The adaptation that increases absorption

A large surface area is the key. The root hair is a long extension of the cell, which gives more membrane area for water to move in by osmosis and ions to enter by transport proteins.

Why the other options are wrong

• B (lots of chloroplasts): Root hair cells are underground and do not need to photosynthesize, so they usually have few or no chloroplasts.
• C (large nucleus): Nucleus size is not an adaptation for absorbing substances.
• D (no cell membrane): Cells must have a cell membrane; transport into the cell happens across it.