Roots

• Structure

  • Root cap
  • Zone of cell division
  • Zone of elongation
  • Zone of differentiation
• Type of root system

  Taproot

  Fibrous root
• Root modifications:

  Taproot

  • Fusiform – shaped like a spindle
  • Napiform – spherical
  • Conical – cone-shaped
  • Tuberous – thick and fleshy with  no definite shape

  Fibrous root

  • Pneumatophores / prop roots

  *Mangroves produce  pneumatophores above  the ground to obtain  oxygen from the  atmosphere.

  Adventitious roots

  For storage:

  • Nodoluse
  • Moniliform
  • Annulated

  For mechanical support:

  • Stilt or brace roots
  • Climbing roots

  Other functions:

  • Haustoria / sucking roots
  • Aerial / epiphytic roots
• Root System Structure

  A) Vascular Cylinder

  B) Cortex

  C) Root hair

  D) Epidermis

  E) Zone of differentiation

  F) Cellulose Fibers

  G) Zone of elongation

  H) Zone of cell division

  I) Root Cap

  
• Monocots

  Seed leaves: One Cotyledon

  Leaf veins: Veins usually parallel

  Stems: Vascular bundles in complex arrangement

  Flowers: Floral parts usually in multiples of three

  Roots: Fibrous root system

  
  

  Eudicots

  Seed leaves: Two cotyledons

  Leaf veins: Veins usually branched

  Stems: Vascular bundles in arranged in ring

  Flowers: Floral parts usually in multiples of four or five

  Roots: Taproot usually present
• Root System

  • Located below the ground
  • Non-photosynthetic
  • Functions: anchors the plant body; absorption of water and minerals; storage of food (carbohydrates)