Biology - The Roots

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Introduction

• Root is the most essential part of a plant that grows down to the soil and water.

• Root avoid the sunlight, as it grows down to soil and water, and absorbs mineral salt and water from the soil.

• However, some typical roots are also aerial or aerating, that grow up above the ground or especially above the water.

• Roots do not have leaves, buds, and nodes.

Functions of the Roots

• The roots absorb mineral salts and water from the soil then supply them to other parts of the plants.

• Roots provide foundation to plants and keep them static.

• Some roots absorb foods for the contingency period; e.g. radish, carrot, etc.

Types of Roots

• Primarily, roots are classified as −

  • Tap Root

  • Fibrous Root

  • Adventitious Root

  • Let’s discuss them in brief −

Tap Root

• There is a main root (see the image given below) that grows faster and it has many branches. Usually, it occurs in dicotyledon plants.

Fibrous Roots

• There is as such no primary root rather there are numerous roots of similar shape, thickness, and size.

• It is typical feature of monocots (plant).

Adventitious Root

• A typical root that grows from any part of a plant except the primary root part.

• Adventitious root may be underground or may aerial.

Modified Taproots

• The following table illustrates some typical examples of modified taproots −

Modified Adventitious Roots

• The following table illustrates some typical examples of modified adventitious roots −

• Note − Tuber is a stem that grow horizontally under the soil and develop roots on their lower surfaces. Major function of this swollen stem is to store food and nutrients. E.g. potato, onion, etc.