Which plant structure absorbs water and nutrients from the soil?

Which plant structure absorbs water and nutrients from the soil?

• A. Leaves
• B. Roots
• C. Stems
• D. Flowers

Answer: (B)

Plants take up water and minerals from the soil through their roots. Root hairs on the tips of roots increase surface area, allowing water to enter by osmosis and minerals to be absorbed as ions. Once inside, these substances travel upward through the xylem to the rest of the plant where they’re needed for growth and metabolism. Leaves use water for photosynthesis and cooling but don’t absorb soil water directly. Stems mainly support the plant and transport substances, while flowers are reproductive structures. So, the structure that absorbs water and nutrients from the soil is the roots.

Plants take up water and minerals from the soil through their roots. Root hairs on the tips of roots increase surface area, allowing water to enter by osmosis and minerals to be absorbed as ions. Once inside, these substances travel upward through the xylem to the rest of the plant where they’re needed for growth and metabolism. Leaves use water for photosynthesis and cooling but don’t absorb soil water directly. Stems mainly support the plant and transport substances, while flowers are reproductive structures. So, the structure that absorbs water and nutrients from the soil is the roots.