Images from W.H. Freeman and Sinauer Associates, used by permission. Roots have extensions of the root epidemal cells known as root hairs . Role of the root hairs in increasing the surface area of roots to promote increased uptake of water and minerals from the soil. Image from W.H. Freeman and Sinauer Associates, used by permission. Back to Top Animals have a circulatory system that transports fluids, chemicals, and nutrients around within the animal body.
Root hairs are thin-walled extensions of the epidermal cells in roots.
They provide increased surface area and thus more efficient absorption of water and minerals. Water and dissolved mineral nutrients enter the plant via two routes. Image from W.H. Freeman and Sinauer Associates, used by permission. Only when water concentrations inside the endodermal cell fall below that of the cortex parenchyma cells does water flow into the endodermis and on into the xylem. Image from W.H. Freeman and Sinauer Associates, used by permission.