Roots extend themselves through the soil by creating new cells in the apical meristem. Behind this area, the cells are enlarging, and, further back, they have differentiated and matured into specialized tissue cells that include the origins of the vascular system. Also in this area, the outside cells develop long protrusions called root hairs. Absorption of water and minerals occur mainly in the root-hair zone. New root hairs are constantly forming at the tip to replace the older ones dying further back.
Root branching occurs irregularly.
Nodes are not present on roots. When a root tip is removed by pruning, new roots form and branching occurs. Under appropriate conditions, shoot buds form on roots. Some plants form shoot buds easily and the plant becomes a pest. The original root from a seed is the primary root.