Which statement about plant roots is correct?

Which statement about plant roots is correct?

• A. Roots absorb water and help support the plant.
• B. Roots conduct photosynthesis.
• C. Roots primarily provide breathing.
• D. Roots are only for storage.

Answer: (A)

Plant roots mainly perform two essential tasks: absorbing water and minerals from the soil and anchoring the plant to keep it stable. Water moves into root cells by osmosis, minerals are taken up through active transport and then travel via the xylem to the rest of the plant, supporting growth and turgor pressure. Roots don’t conduct photosynthesis because they’re typically underground, lack light, and don’t contain chlorophyll; photosynthesis happens in green tissues like leaves (and sometimes green stems). While some roots do store carbohydrates in certain plants, storage isn’t their primary role for most species. That combination of resource uptake and physical support is why this statement about roots is correct.

Plant roots mainly perform two essential tasks: absorbing water and minerals from the soil and anchoring the plant to keep it stable. Water moves into root cells by osmosis, minerals are taken up through active transport and then travel via the xylem to the rest of the plant, supporting growth and turgor pressure. Roots don’t conduct photosynthesis because they’re typically underground, lack light, and don’t contain chlorophyll; photosynthesis happens in green tissues like leaves (and sometimes green stems). While some roots do store carbohydrates in certain plants, storage isn’t their primary role for most species. That combination of resource uptake and physical support is why this statement about roots is correct.