Which part of a plant absorbs water and nutrients from the soil?

• A. Leaves
• B. Stem
• C. Roots
• D. Flower

Answer: (C)

The part of a plant that takes in water and minerals from the soil is the roots. Root hairs on the tips increase surface area so water and dissolved nutrients can be absorbed more efficiently from the soil. Water moves into root cells by osmosis, while minerals are taken up through active transport, then carried upward through the plant by the xylem. Leaves use water for photosynthesis and release it through transpiration, but they don’t absorb water from the soil. Flowers aren’t involved in absorbing soil nutrients. So the roots are doing the absorbing.