FFA Horticulture CDE General Practice Exam

What are the primary functions of plant roots?

1. Producing food for the plant

2. Absorbing water and minerals

3. Photosynthesis

4. Reproducing new plants

The correct answer is: Absorbing water and minerals

The primary functions of plant roots fundamentally revolve around their role in absorbing water and minerals from the soil. Roots play a crucial role in anchoring the plant, providing stability and support, while also networking through the soil to gather essential nutrients that fuel the plant's overall growth and development. This harvesting of water and minerals is vital for various physiological processes, including photosynthesis, which primarily occurs in the leaves. While producing food for the plant is essential, this task is primarily executed by the leaves through photosynthesis. Reproduction is generally managed by seeds or other plant structures rather than by the roots themselves, and while some plants can propagate through root systems, this is not a primary function of roots across all plant species. Therefore, the role of absorbing water and minerals is fundamental and is the best answer that encapsulates the primary purpose of plant roots.