Root

Roots are that part of the plant which is responsible for providing the proper amount of nutrients to the whole plant body by absorbing from the soil. Another main track which is done by roots is aerating which helps in the proper growth and development of the plant. The roots grow into the soil and bear Primary, Secondary and Tertiary roots, and Root Hairs.

Types of the Root System

• Taproot: It is a straight tapering root growing vertically downwards and forming the center from which subsidiary rootlets spring. Generally, dicots possess tap roots. Eg: Mustard.
• Fibrous roots: These are roots that have no prominent central axis and branches in all directions. Monocots possess these types of roots. Eg: Wheat.
• Adventitious root: When roots arise from parts other than the radicle, the roots are called adventitious roots. Eg: Monstera, Banyan, Grasses.

Regions of Root

• Root cap: It is a thimble-like structure that protects the root tips.
• Region of meristematic activity: The cells of this region are small, thin-walled, and with dense protoplasm.
• Region of elongation: The enlargement of these cells leads to an increase in the length of the root.
• Region of maturation: The cells of elongation mature and differentiate and form these cells.
• Root hair: The epidermal cells possess fine, delicate, thread-like structures called root hairs.

Modifications of Roots

• Storage roots: These roots are modified to store food. Eg: Carrot, Turnip, adventitious roots of Sweet Potato, and Asparagus.
• Prop roots: These hanging structures are meant for providing support to the plant. Eg: Banyan.
• Stilt roots: These are supporting roots coming out of the lower nodes of the stem. Eg: Maize, Sugarcane.
• Pneumatophores: These roots grow in swampy areas and come out of the soil vertically upwards to aid in the respiration process. Eg: Rhizophora.

Morphology refers to the study of forms or external features of an organism. While studying the morphology of an organism we focus on its external appearance and on parts that are easily visible to the naked eye. Fruits, leaves, flowers, stems, and roots are the important part of a flowering plant which is included under the morphology of a plant. The plant body has two main systems the Root system and the Shoot system. The underground part of a flowering plant is called the root system. The portion above forms the shoot system. Approx. 3,00,000 species are included in the category of flowering plants. Wide diversity can be seen in this category. It is observed and believed by the ancestors that the first flowering plant was seen 140 million years ago. The most important part of the flowering plant is the flower which is also the reproductive part of the flower. When pollen from the male flower goes to the stamen of the female flower then fertilization will take place leading to the formation of seed.