Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

What part of a plant is primarily responsible for water absorption?

1. Phloem

2. Stem

3. Roots

4. Leaves

The correct answer is: Roots

The roots of a plant are primarily responsible for water absorption. They are specialized structures that penetrate the soil and absorb water and essential minerals. The root system increases the plant's surface area, allowing it to take up water efficiently. Roots work by utilizing root hairs, which are tiny extensions of the root's surface that enhance the ability to absorb moisture from the soil. While the stems transport water and nutrients from the roots to other parts of the plant and leaves play an essential role in photosynthesis and gas exchange, they are not primarily responsible for the absorption of water. The phloem, another type of vascular tissue, is involved in the transport of sugars and other metabolic products, not water absorption. Thus, the roots are the key components for taking in water, making them essential for the plant's overall health and growth.