Timelapse footage of the growth of the roots of a French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seedling below the soil. The bean first sprouts a young root called a radicle, which heads downwards in the direction of the pull of gravity (positive gravitropism). Once this is established, it sends out side roots covered in fine hairs, which greatly increase the surface area through which it can absorb water and nutrients from the soil. See clip K003 7746 for the initial germination of this bean. Mastered from originals at frame size 4288x2848.