Why are roots hard?

Question

Why are roots hard?

Answer 1

The cell walls are extra strong because they have to push through the soil as they grow downwards.

Answer 2

They are hard because they need to anchor the plant into the ground so it doesn't blow away in the wind or easily get pulled out by animals.

If the roots were soft the plants would easily get pulled out from the ground and they would die.

Also, they need to be hard so that they can resist the pressure of the dirt on them. If they were soft they would get crushed and the plant could die.

Answer 3

Because they have special plate like cells that slough off after they dig through various substrates in search of water and nutrients.