The process that allows plants to absorb water from the soil is called osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In plants, root cells facilitate osmosis, drawing water necessary for nutrient transport, photosynthesis, and overall growth. This process is vital for maintaining turgor pressure within plant cells, ensuring structural integrity and enabling plants to flourish in various environmental conditions.