The root is a complex structure composed of several layers. The outermost layer is the epidermis, which serves as a protective barrier. The epidermis is covered with tiny, hair-like extensions called root hairs, which significantly increase the surface area for water and mineral absorption from the soil. Beneath the epidermis lies the cortex, which stores starch and other nutrients and serves as a transport pathway for water and dissolved substances. The innermost layer of the cortex is the endodermis, which regulates the flow of water and minerals into the vascular tissues. The vascular bundle is located at the center of the root and consists of xylem and phloem. Xylem is responsible for transporting water and minerals absorbed by the root, while phloem transports food produced during photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant. The root hair itself is an extension of the epidermal cell and functions in absorption. Root hairs contain high concentrations of solutes, creating a lower water potential within the hair compared to the soil, which facilitates the uptake of water through osmosis.