Which of the following best describes the function of roots in plants?

Roots play a crucial role in a plant's overall health and growth by primarily serving two key functions: anchoring the plant to the soil and facilitating the absorption of water and essential nutrients. By anchoring the plant, roots provide stability and enable it to withstand environmental factors such as wind and water movement. This anchorage is vital for plants that may grow tall or those that inhabit loose or sandy soils.

The second critical function is nutrient absorption. Roots are equipped with specialized structures that allow them to effectively take up water and dissolved nutrients from the soil, which are essential for the plant's growth and metabolic processes. Nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are vital for plant development and are absorbed through the root system.

While photosynthesis is primarily conducted by leaves, reproduction is typically associated with flowers and seeds, and gas exchange primarily occurs in leaves through structures known as stomata, roots do not perform these functions. Therefore, anchoring and nutrient absorption accurately encapsulates the primary roles of roots in plants.