Which statement is NOT a function of a plant's roots?

Which statement is NOT a function of a plant's roots?

• A. Absorb water and minerals from soil
• B. Anchor the plant
• C. Carry out photosynthesis
• D. Store energy

Answer: (C)

Roots have three main jobs: absorb water and minerals from the soil, anchor the plant in place, and store energy for later use. Photosynthesis, the process plants use to make their food, happens mainly in leaves because they have chlorophyll and get sunlight. Roots usually stay underground and lack light and chloroplasts, so they don’t perform photosynthesis. That’s why carrying out photosynthesis is not a function of roots. (In a few unusual cases, some roots can do a tiny amount of photosynthesis, but this isn’t how most plants function.)

Roots have three main jobs: absorb water and minerals from the soil, anchor the plant in place, and store energy for later use. Photosynthesis, the process plants use to make their food, happens mainly in leaves because they have chlorophyll and get sunlight. Roots usually stay underground and lack light and chloroplasts, so they don’t perform photosynthesis. That’s why carrying out photosynthesis is not a function of roots. (In a few unusual cases, some roots can do a tiny amount of photosynthesis, but this isn’t how most plants function.)