What is the primary function of tubers in some plants?

The primary function of tubers in some plants is the storage of nutrients. Tubers are specialized underground structures that serve as storage organs for carbohydrates and other essential nutrients. This storage capability allows plants to survive unfavorable conditions, such as drought or winter, as they can access the stored nutrients to support growth when conditions improve.

By accumulating energy-rich carbohydrates, which often come in the form of starch, tubers enable plants to have a robust energy source that can be utilized for new growth in the next growing season. This is particularly critical in perennial plants, which need to sustain themselves through periods when photosynthesis is not possible.

While photosynthesis is a crucial process for plants, it primarily occurs in leaves rather than tubers. Water absorption is mainly the function of roots, and root anchoring is another role of the root system, but the tuber itself focuses on nutrient storage. Therefore, the storage of nutrients is indeed the primary role of tubers in certain plants.