One simple difference is that stems bear leaves, and roots don't. ... Similarity: Both stems and roots contain vascular tissues (xylem and phloem), the circulatory system of the plant. Difference: In herbaceous stems, the vascular tissues are contained in bundles; these bundles sit relatively near the surface of the stem.
The roots of a plant sucks up the nutrients from the water in the ground and stems carry the nutrients up to the leaves, they both carry nutrients. They both have different jobs though, as I said one Carry's the nutrients and the other takes in the nutrients to the leaves.
