Anchors and supports the plant in the soil. Absorbs water and minerals from the soil.
Some roots can store food and water. For example, carrots store food in the form of sugar.
F Under one hectare n
of winter wheat, there may be up to 300,000 km of roots. This increases the surface area available for the absorption of water and mineral nutrients from the soil into the plant.
z z
Fig. 7.1.3 A carrot is a root
Fig. 7.1.4 Fibrous roots of wheat
The Stem
The stem has the following roles: zz
z z z z zz
Supports the buds, leaves and flowers.
Carries water and minerals from the roots to the leaves and flowers. Carries food from the leaves to the roots and other parts of the plant.
Some stems store food and water. For example, potatoes store food in the form of starch.
