ROOTS

Roots
• Definition of Root
• Root System
• Function and Structure of the Root
• Root development
• Connection between vascular tissues of
roots and stems
• Internal Structure of Modified Roots
 Definition of Root

-underground portion of the axis

-specialized for anchorage of the plant and
water absorption
A.Longitudinal Section of a Root
B.Cross Section of a Root
TWO TYPES OF ROOT
SYSTEM
Taproot and Fibrous Root
 Function of Roots
• Anchor and support plants
• Absorb and conduct water and minerals
• Store products of photosynthesis (carbohydrates, sugars,
proteins)
• Winter survival of perennials
• Horticultural uses
• Food and feed
• Propagation
• Soil erosion control
Root structure
STRUCTURE OF A ROOT
 dicot versus Monocot Roots
• dicots
– Vascular cylinder solid.
– Cortical cells sometimes
retained for life, but some shed
due to secondary growth.
• Monocots
– Vascular cylinder in ring with
pith.
– Cortical cells retained for life,
because they lack secondary
growth.
ROOT DEVELOPMENT
• Zone of cell division
– Apical meristem.
• zone of cell elongation
– Cells elongate, functional xylem
starts to develop and phloem is
mature.
• zone of maturation
– Root hairs are produced,
functional xylem and phloem
are present.
Connection between tissues of
stem and roots
 Modified Roots
• Taproot Modification

• Fusiform : Fusiform is a modified tap root.

The primary root of the system is swollen at
the middle and tapers gradually at both the
ends forming a spindle shaped structure.
Example of fusiform roots is radish.
• Napiform : The base region of the root is
swollen becoming almost spherical in
shape, and then it abruptly tapers towards
the lower end, forming a tail-like structure.
Example of Napiform roots are turnip and
beet.
• Conical: In the conical form of root
modification the roots are swollen and are
broad at the base, the apex part gradually
tapers forming a con like structure like in
carrot.
• Tuberous or tubercular : In the case of
tuberous roots, the roots are thick and
fleshy. They do not form any definite shape.
Example: Sweet potato, yam.
• Pneumatophores : The pneumatophore roots grow
vertically up, they protrude out of water or marshy sol like
conical spikes. These roots occur in large number around
the trunk of the tree. Pneumatophore roots are many pores
for breathing through which exchange of gases takes place
for respiration. Example of pneumatophores are
Rhizophora.
 Adventitious Root
Modifications
• A. For Storage Of Food
Tuberous root : The adventitious roots in this
are grown from the nodes of the running
stem. These roots are modified are swollen
into irregular forms and are known as
tuberous roots. They are produced in single
number. Example: Sweet Potato.
• Fasciculate root : The tuberous roots are
developed from the base of the stem in cluster.
Nodulose root : The adventitious roots in this case
arise from the underground stem. Some roots that
are
slender become swollen near the apex and they
form nodule like structures. Example: mango-
ginger.
• Moniliform or Beaded roots : In this case, the roots are
swollen at frequent intervals. This formation gives a
beaded or moniliform type of appearance. This form of
root formations is seen in many grasses, Basella, etc.

• Annulated roots : This type of roots has ring-like

swellings ina series and appears in the form of a number of
discs placed one above the other. Examples are Cephalis
ipecacuanha (Ipeca).
• B. For Mechanical Support

• Prop roots : Here the plants have tap roots system. the
horizontal branches of the stem of the plant gives rise to aerial roots.
These aerial roots hang vertically downwards. These roots on reaching
the ground, they grow and act like pillars. They provide mechanical
support to the plant. Example Ficus bengalensis.
• Stilt Roots : These plants have their own roots system like in screwpine. They
are not strongly anchored tothe soil. Hence, these plant develop adventitious
roots from near the base of the stem. These roots grow obliquely downwards.
They act like stilt and they provide mechanical support to the plant. Example -
the maize plant produces adventitious roots form the lower nodes which also
act in a similar way.
•

• Climbing roots : This type of root system is found in climbers. Adventitious

roots are developed from the nodes and are aerial roots. These aerial roots
twist and clasp the support and help in climbing. Example Betel, Pothos, etc.
•
• Clinging roots : This type of roots are seen in orchids. These roots
arise from the stem base of the plant. They enter crevices of the
support to fix the epiphyte. They provide the plant with mechanical
support.
•

• Root buttresses : Some trees have great plant-like roots that radiate
from the base of the stem of the tree. It consists of partly root and
partly stem. Example is Bombax.
• C. For Vital Functions

• Sucking roots or Haustoria : Cuscuta is a leafless,

parasitic plant, it always grows in association with other
plants. The parasatic plant at the point of attachment with
the host plant produces some knob like roots known as
haustoria which penetrate into the host plant and draws
nourishment.
• Epiphytic roots : are the plants like orchids
that grow perched on tree branches. They
attach themselves firmly to the trunk of the
tree by the aid of social roots known as
climbing roots.
• Floating roots: are found in aquatic plants. These
roots develop from the nodes of the floating
branches. The roots are spongy and are colorless.
These roots are present above the level of water.
As these roots are spongy and soft, they store air
in them which help the plant in floating. They also
help in respiration process.
• Assimilatory roots : are normally non-green in
color. The adventitious roots are developed from
the branches of the plant Tinospora cord folia.
These branches are green in color and carry out
photosynthesis, the roots developed from this are
known as assimilatory roots. The assimilatory
roots are slender, long and in hanging state
 Modified Roots
• Aerial Roots- roots
produced from above
ground structures.
• Air Roots- negatively
gravitropic roots that
aerate the root system.
• Fleshy Roots- specialized
storage organs consisting
of parenchyma and
vascular tissue. Carrot,
sweet potato, sugarbeet.
Fleshy Root is
an adaptation
for food storage.

Sugarbeet
Sweet Potato