Germinating wheat seedlings at different stages of development. The bottom one is the seed; the next one up shows the embryonic root or radicle beginning to emerge from the testa. In the third one the radicle has grown & its surface is covered with tiny hairs (root hairs) which increases its surface area, & the lateral roots are beginning to appear at the base of the radicle. The top one is at the most advanced stage; the radicle is longer & covered with root hairs, & the lateral roots are relatively well developed. The function of these roots is to hold the plant firmly in the ground, & also to provide it with water & nutrients by absorbing them from the soil.

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