Functions of Roots and Stems of a Plant

Here at Once upon a Carrot, we are a community based organisation with a goal to solve the obesity crises by teaching children and their families in our community about nutrition and making balanced and healthy, Good Food choices.

We believe that one of the ways to get started with nutrition and food is to learn about the basics - that is, the basics of a plant.

We like to begin by teaching about the differences between roots, stems and their different functions within a plant.

All roots have three important jobs. The first is to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. This process is called Osmosis. The second is to anchor the plant in the soil and to “trap” the soil so it doesn’t wash away. The third task is to store excess Foods for future use.

There are two kinds of roots. There is the Fibrous Root, which is made of many fibers and root hairs that spread out into the soil to take in as much water as possible and give the plant a strong grip in the ground. 

The second kind is a Tap Root. This is one thick root-like a carrot! When we eat a carrot we are eating the food the plant has stored for its future use.

The stem is the pump of the plant. It carries food from the root to the leaves and glucose from the leaves to the other parts of the plant. The trunk of a tree is a stem the stem supports the leaves in a position that lets them get the sunlight they need.

Not all stems grow up from the ground. Some spread along the ground and some, like peas and beans, climb. They grow this way to give the leaves the maximum amount of sunlight. Bulbs, like tulips and onions, are modified stems.

Please use the Contact form on the right for Functions of Roots and Stems of a Plant information and ordering.