... the roots and sugars from the leaves, mediums for vital chemical reactions (some of which involve water molecules themselves - hydrolysis and condensation reactions) and in maintaining cell turgor in various plant tissues[1]. Plants need sufficient water to survive and even germinate, without it they suffer water stress and grow less efficiently if not at all, depending upon specific requirements and specializations of each species. Plant Roots Most plants acquire water through their roots, which is one of their primary functions. Roots generally grow where enough water and mineral nutrients can be found in soil or another medium, with the apical meristem (tip of primary root - originating for the radicle of the seed - composed of undifferentiated root cells) leading elongated/primary root growth[2]. There are two categories of root system, taproot and fibrous; taproots have a dominant primary root with a single axis - fibrous secondary roots grow out laterally from ...

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