the vascular bundle is found in the centre of the root to resist forces that could pull the plant out of the soil
the xylem forms a cross-like structure in the centre which is surrounded by phloem vessels which adds strength to the toot as it pushes through the soil
apical meristem
the growth tissue
root cap
protects the root form environment stress
epidermis
the 'skin' of the root and produces root hairs
root hairs
extensions of epidermal cells and are very important for water and mineral intake
vascular cylinder
the core of the root and contains xylem and phloem
cortex
surrounds the vascular cylinder and transports minerals into the centre of the root through diffusion, may also be used for storage of food in the form of starch
endodermis
separates the cortex from the pericycle and helps to regulate the movement of water ions and hormones into and out of the vascular system
pericycle
the layer of cells directly inside the endodermis where lateral roots originate
phloem
takes the products of photosynthesis from the leaves down into the roots
xylem
takes water and minerals from the roots up into the rest of the plant
