-usually subterranean

main functions

-anchoring in soil and stabilisation

-water and nutrient uptake

-storage

->the functions and forms are similar to the shoots (mechanical support, water transport), but in contrast to shoots, roots have

-no leaves

-no stomata

-different (endogenous) branching

-different (radial) vascular bundle

During germination the organ first emerging from the seed is the root, to secure the water supply. Because the seed stores energy and nutrients, the start of photosynthesis with the first leaves can be delayed