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In vascular plants, the root is the organ of a plant body that typically lies below the surface of the soil. This is not always the case, however, since a root can also be aerial (that is, growing above the ground) or aerating (that is, growing up above the ground or especially above water). Furthermore, a stem normally occurring below ground is not exceptional either (see rhizome). So, it is better to define root as a part of a plant body that bears no leaves, and therefore also lacks nodes. There are also important internal structural differences between stems and roots. The two major functions of roots are 1.) absorption of water and inorganic nutrients and 2.) anchoring the plant body to the ground. Roots also function in cytokinin synthesis, which supplies some of the shoot's needs. They often function in storage of food. The roots of most vascular plant species enter into symbiosis with certain fungi to form mycorrhizas, and a large range of other organisms including bacteria also closely associate with roots.

Early root growth is one of the functions of the apical meristem located near the tip of the root. The meristem cells more or less continuously divide, producing more meristem, root cap cells (these are sacrificed to protect the meristem), and undifferentiated root cells. The latter will become the primary tissues of the root, first undergoing elongation, a process that pushes the root tip forward in the growing medium. Gradually these cells differentiate and mature into specialized cells of the root tissues.

Roots will generally grow in any direction where the correct environment of air, mineral nutrients and water exists to meet the plant's needs. Roots will not grow in dry soil. Over time, given the right conditions, roots can crack foundations, snap water lines, and lift sidewalks. At germination, roots grow downward due to gravitropism, the growth mechanism of plants that also causes the shoot to grow upward. In some plants (such as ivy), the "root" actually clings to walls and structures.

Growth from apical meristems is known as primary growth, which encompasses all elongation. Secondary growth encompasses all growth in diameter, a major component of woody plant tissues and many nonwoody plants. For example, storage roots of sweet potato have secondary growth but are not woody. Secondary growth occurs at the lateral meristems, namely the vascular cambium and cork cambium. The former forms secondary xylem and secondary phloem, while the latter forms the periderm.

Root Subcategories Root Articles How Ginger Root Can Heals Ailments by Jake Saab Nov 26, 2008 The vitamin ginger root offers you a lot of benefits, including the ability to treat headaches and common colds. One of the most common uses of ginger root is the treat an upset stomach, something we all know and hate. Normally in the form of flat gi... Causes of Root Canal Disease by Melanie C Aug 20, 2008 Root canal disease happens when the pulpy tissue in the tooth becomes damaged. This can be due to periodontal disease, extensive dental procedures or injury such as a blow to the mouth. When this tissue becomes damaged, it must be removed, the area d... How To Propagate and Care for Succulents and Cacti Plants By Rooting Leaf or Stem Cuttings by Laura Zinkan Aug 20, 2008 Succulents are perfect plants for xeriscape gardens or container gardens and are easy to root and grow. Once you learn how easy it is to propagate succulent plants, it's a great way to expand your plant collection - and it's free! You can use this ... The Original Roots of Chocolate - details by Smith Frey Jun 27, 2008 The Original Roots of Chocolate. The Cacao tree is very difficult to grow outside its natural setting. It thrives in the equatorial band between 20 degrees north to 20 degrees south of the Equator. The tree also requires a minimum temperature of 60 d... Discover How To Spice Up Your Life With Local Food Spices by ponn nac Jun 26, 2008 Discover how to Spice up your life with local spices, and how 23 local spices have been successfully used to beat cold-related ailments. AS the rains and winter gather momentum, the weather will become bitterly cold, giving rise to cold-related ailme... Want to make home made root beer? Start with an extract first by Drew Brown Jun 13, 2008 Root beer is a very common beverage that can come in an alcoholic and non alcoholic versions. In the old days it was traditionally used as an herbal medicine. If yo look at the history of this soft drink you will see that there have always been mildl... Can Lung Cancer & Rheumatoid Arthritis have the same root cause? "No Way, Jose", you say? Read! by Gary James Aug 12, 2007 "We have to face facts: Vitamins & minerals are the foundation of our health" says one MD, an internist who asked me to keep his name "out if it". It being the controversy within standard medicine over the use of alternative protocols to drugs & surg... Business Opportunity - Start your own Herb School by John Mason Aug 06, 2007 Opportunities exist for businesses (including established schools) to work with ACS Distance Education. See www.acs.edu.au ACS was founded in 1979 by John Mason, (Australian author, horticulturist and IHA member), and now operates offices ... Can intake of herb Dandelion Root really affect your breast size? by Julie Walker Aug 03, 2007 Breast enlargement dietary supplements usually contain herbs (like Dandelion Root), with natural estrogenic properties from plant sources (phyto-estrogens) that work by regulating hormones and promote healthy tissue growth. Estrogen is what ... Did You Know: Celebrating Root Vegetables by Shelly Herman Jul 20, 2007 Days are shortening, the temperature’s dropping, the leaves are falling, and it’s time to jump for joy. Root vegetable season, also known as “Roasting Season,” has finally arrived. Now you can happily crank up the oven (without feeling like you’re li...