Which part of the plant is primarily responsible for water absorption?

The root is primarily responsible for water absorption in plants. Roots extend into the soil and have specialized structures, such as root hairs, that greatly increase the surface area available for absorption. This adaptation allows roots to absorb not only water but also essential nutrients dissolved in that water, which are critical for the plant's growth and overall health.

The roots also anchor the plant into the soil, providing stability, and they play a role in transporting the absorbed water and nutrients to different parts of the plant through the stem. While other parts of the plant play important roles in various processes — like photosynthesis in leaves, reproduction in flowers, and structural support in stems — they do not function in water absorption to the same extent as roots do.