Which of the following is a primary function of roots in plants?

The primary function of roots in plants is water and nutrient absorption. Roots serve as the anchor for the plant, providing stability and support while also facilitating the uptake of water and essential nutrients from the soil. This process is vital for the overall health and growth of the plant, as it relies on these resources to perform various physiological functions, including growth, reproduction, and response to environmental stresses.

Photosynthesis occurs primarily in the leaves, where chlorophyll captures sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars and oxygen. Flower production is a function of the reproductive structures of the plant and not directly related to the roots. Similarly, seed dispersal is a reproductive strategy involving the fruits and seeds, again not linked to the roots’ role.

By being structured to effectively gather and transport the necessary resources, roots are integral to a plant's survival and functioning, making their role in water and nutrient absorption fundamentally important.