1. Root hairs: These are tiny extensions of root epidermal cells that increase the surface area for absorption of water and minerals from the soil.

2. Root cortex: This is the layer of tissue surrounding the vascular cylinder (which contains the xylem). Water and minerals move through the cortex via cell walls and spaces between cells (apoplastic pathway) and also through the cytoplasm of cells (symplastic pathway).

Once they reach the vascular cylinder, water and minerals enter the xylem and are transported upward to the rest of the plant.