The part of a root that absorbs water and minerals is the?

• A. Root cap
• B. Meristem
• C. Root hair
• D. Cortex cell

Answer: (C)

Absorption of water and minerals happens mainly through root hairs, tiny extensions of epidermal cells that form near the tips of roots. These hairs dramatically increase the surface area in contact with soil solution, so water moves in by osmosis and minerals are taken up by transport proteins in the hair cell membranes. Their thin walls and direct exposure to the soil solution make them the primary site for uptake as the root grows and explores new soil. The root cap sits at the very tip protecting the growing region, the meristem is where new cells are produced, and cortex cells lie between the epidermis and the inner vascular tissues, mainly involved in storage and radial transport rather than direct absorption. So the part most responsible for absorbing water and minerals is the root hairs.