Figure 34.6 Pathways to the Root Xylem Water and solutes can move into the root through the symplast or the apoplast until they reach the endodermis (shown in dark green); there the water and solutes must enter the symplast to bypass the Casparian strip (purple), a region of the endodermal cell wall that is impregnated with the water- repelling substance suberin. Inside the stele, the water and solutes enter the xylem (blue).