The part of a plant that takes in water and minerals from the soil is the root system.

Here's a breakdown:

* Roots are the underground structures that anchor the plant and absorb nutrients.

* Root hairs are tiny, hair-like extensions that increase the surface area of the roots, maximizing their ability to absorb water and minerals.

* Xylem is a type of vascular tissue that transports the absorbed water and minerals upwards throughout the plant.

So, the roots act like straws, drawing in the essential resources from the soil and delivering them to the rest of the plant.