What is the Difference Between Symplast and Vacuolar Pathway?

The symplast and vacuolar pathways are two different ways in which water moves within plant cells. The main differences between these two pathways are:

1. Route of water movement: In the symplast pathway, water moves from the cytoplasm of one cell to the cytoplasm of a neighboring cell through plasmodesmata, without entering vacuoles. In contrast, the vacuolar pathway involves the movement of water between vacuoles of neighboring plant cells.
2. Resistance: The symplast pathway has less resistance compared to the vacuolar pathway, as water does not need to pass through vacuoles.
3. Vacuole involvement: The key difference between the two pathways is that water does not enter into vacuoles in the symplast pathway, while it does in the vacuolar pathway.
4. Frequency of use: Plant cells tend to use the symplast pathway more frequently than the vacuolar pathway.

In summary, the symplast pathway is characterized by water movement between the cytoplasms of plant cells without entering vacuoles, while the vacuolar pathway involves water movement between vacuoles of neighboring cells.

Comparative Table: Symplast vs Vacuolar Pathway

This table compares the differences between the symplast and vacuolar pathways in plant cells:

Both the symplast and vacuolar pathways are essential for water movement in plant cells, but they differ in their mechanisms and locations within the cell. The symplast pathway involves water moving between the cytoplasms of cells through plasmodesmata, while the vacuolar pathway involves water moving through the vacuoles of plant cells through osmosis.