Root System
The root is the part of the plant that grows under the ground. The primary root, also known as the taproot, emerges from the seed during germination. It serves as the main axis of the root system and provides structural support while absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. The root is the brown, non-green, and inner part of a plant. The root with its branches is collectively called the root system. There are three types of root systems.
- Taproot System
- Fibrous root System
- Adventitious root System
Taproot System
The taproot system is mainly present in dicotyledonous plants. It develops from the root of the germinated seed with its first roots and branches giving rise to the root system. Mustard seeds, mango, gram, and banyan are some examples of cotyledon plants that have root systems.
Modification of Taproot
- The Conical Root: This root is narrow from above and thin from below. Such as- Carrot
- The Fusiform Root: This root is swollen from the middle and thin on both sides below. Such as Raphanus sativus
- The Napiform Root: The outer part of this type of root is inflated like a pitcher and the lower part of this root is thin.
Fibrous Root System
The fibrous root is present mainly in ferns and all monocotyledonous plants. This type of root developed from thin, medium-branching roots or primary roots growing from the stem. The fibrous root system usually does not penetrate deep into the soil, therefore, at full maturity, these roots look like a mat or carpet on the floor. One or more examples of monocot plants having fibrous root systems are wheat, paddy, grass, carrot, onion, and grass.
Adventitious Root System
Roots arising from any part of the plant body other than the radicle are called adventitious root systems. This root system is mainly present in all monocot plants. In plants, adventitious root systems are used for various purposes, such as mechanical support, vegetative propagation, etc. Banyan trees, maize, oak trees, and horsetails are some examples of monocotyledonous plants with adventitious root systems.
Modification of Adventitious Root
Tuberous Or Fasciculated: When food is reserved in the roots, they are inflated and form clusters like in sweet potato
Glandular: When the ends of the roots swell, they are called glandular roots like in melilots
Function of Roots
The functions of the roots are as follows:
- Roots anchor the plant in the soil, providing stability.
- They absorb water and minerals from the soil, supporting plant hydration and nutrition.
- Knots in leguminous plant roots house nitrogen-fixing bacteria, aiding in nutrient cycling.
- Roots of floating plants help maintain buoyancy and balance in aquatic environments.
- Certain roots function as suckers, enabling vegetative reproduction and spread.
- Roots synthesize the growth regulator cytokinin, influencing plant growth and development.
Regions of Root
The three important parts of root are:
- Root Cap
- Region of Maturation
- Region of Elongation
Also Read: Root System
Morphology Of Flowering Plants
Morphology of flowering plants is the study of their external structures, including roots, stems, leaves, and reproductive organs, to understand their form and function. Roots anchor the plant and absorb water and nutrients. There are three types of root systems: tap root, fibrous root System, and adventitious root System. Stems provide support and facilitate the transport of water and nutrients. Stem exhibits different modifications like runners, suckers, climbers, and cladode. Leaves are the primary sites for photosynthesis and gas exchange. Flowers form the reproductive structures of the plant. In the flower the process of fertilisation takes place, involving the fusion of male and female gametes, ultimately leading to the formation of seeds within the fruit.
Table of Content
- Flowering Plants
- Root System
- Shoot System
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Seed