Root Functions

#ngscience #roots #plants Plants are made up of different parts or structures. Many plants, for example, have roots, stems and leaves. There are also parts inside plants, such as the tubes that transport water and nutrients around the plant. All of the structures of a plant interact and work together as a system to support the survival, growth and reproduction of the plant. Each plant structure has a function that helps the plant to survive, grow and reproduce. The bright petals of flowers function to attract bees and other pollinators. The thorns on a blackberry bush help to protect its leaves and fruits from grazing by wildlife. If one or more plant structures are removed or do not function as they are supposed to, the survival of the whole plant system may be affected. Structures that are observable on the outside of a plant are external structures. These include roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits. Roots are usually the external structures that grow down into the soil. The primary function of the roots is to take in the water and nutrients the plant needs to survive and grow. Some roots are shallow and branch out to cover a large area. These roots are called fibrous roots. Fibrous roots help the plant to take up lots of water when it rains. Growing out from the roots are microscopic root hairs. The root hairs help in absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. Other plants have one main root, called a taproot, which grows deep into the soil. This helps to reach water deeper in the soil. Roots also function to hold plants firmly in place, which is often in soil. This helps to prevent them from being washed away by water or blown away by wind.