ROOTS AND STEMS

 there are two types; tap roots and fibrous roots Tap Roots(dicots) ➜large main central root with many short side branches Fibrous Roots (monocots)➜ large number of relatively equal sized roots arise from the base of the plant immediately below the ground

Roots  hidden below the ground  are usually larger than the entire above ground system Functions  to absorb water and nutrients from the soil  support and anchor the plant

Stems  are the shoots of the vascular plants Functions  provide support for the above-ground portion of the plant  link the roots with the leaves

 stems of herbaceous plants are soft and bend easily, whereas woody plants have hard stems and do not bend easily (this is because they are composed almost entirely of dead xylem, which is very strong) that is why they can grow over 100 m tall  in woody plants, the xylem and phloem tissues form complete rings

Stem sof herbaceous plants are soft and bend easily stems of woody plants are hard and do not bend easily (this is due to all the dead xylem)

yes

the zone of maturation, where the cells differentiate and mature

apical meristem which is protected by a root cap

• behind the apical meristem is a zone of elongation, where newly divided cells from the meristem increase in length to force the root tip deeper into the soil.

 the epidermal cells (outer layer) of the root develop root hairs (increases surface area available for absorption of water and water-soluble minerals)

Because of their strong base filled with dead xylem cells that gives the woody plant structure