The root is non-green, cylindrical descending axis
of the plant that usually grows into the soil (positively geotropic). It
develops from the radicle which is the first structure that comes out when a
seed is placed in the soil. Root is responsible for absorption of water and
nutrients and anchoring the plant.
•
Root is the descending portion of the plant axis.
•
Generally non-green in colour as it lacks
chlorophyll.
•
Does not possess nodes, internodes and buds
(Exception in sweet potato and members of Rutaceae, roots bear buds which help
in vegetative propagation)
•
It bears root hairs (To absorb water and minerals
from the soil)
•
It is positively geotropic and negatively
phototropic in nature.
Root tip is covered by a dome shaped parenchymatous cells called root cap. It protects the meristematic cells in the apex. In Pandanus multiple root cap is present. In Pistia instead of root cap root pocket is present. A few millimeters above the root cap the following three distinct zones have been classified based on their meristematic activity.
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Meristematic Zone
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Zone of Elongation
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Zone of Maturation
Primary root is the direct prolongation of the
radicle. When the primary root persists and continues to grow as in
dicotyledons, it forms the main root of the plant and is called the tap root. Tap root produces lateral
roots that further branches into finer roots. Lateral roots along with its
branches together called as secondary
roots.
It may develop from the base of the stem or nodes or internodes. Example: Monstera deliciosa, Ficus benghalensis, Piper nigrum. In most of the monocots the primary root of the seedling is short lived and lateral roots arise from various regions of the plant body. These are bunch of thread-like roots equal in size which are collectively called fibrous root system generally found in grasses. Example: Oryza sativa, Eleusine coracana, Pennisetum americanum.
Root performs two kinds of functions namely primary
and secondary functions.
•
Absorb water and minerals from soil.
•
Help to anchor the plant firmly in the soil.
In some plants roots perform additional functions. These are called secondary functions. To perform additional functions, these roots are modified in their structure.
These are cone like, broad at the base and
gradually tapering towards the apex. Example: Daucus carota.
These roots are swollen in the middle and tapering
towards both ends. Example: Raphanus
sativus
It is very broad and suddenly tapers like a tail at
the apex. Example: Beta vulgaris
Some mangrove plants like Avicennia, Rhizophora,
Bruguiera develop special kinds of roots (Negatively geotropic) for
respiration because the soil becomes saturated with water and aeration is very
poor. They have a large number of breathing pores or pneumatophores for
exchange of gases.
These roots are swollen without any definite shape.
Tuberous roots are produced singly and not in clusters. Example: Ipomoea batatas.
These roots are in cluster from the base of the
stem Example: Dahlia, Asparagus, Ruellia.
In this type of roots swelling occurs only near the
tips. Example: Maranta (arrow root) Curcuma amada (mango ginger), Curcuma longa (turmeric)
These roots swell at frequent intervals giving them
a beaded appearance. Example: Vitis,
Portulaca, Momordica, Basella (Indian
spinach).
These roots have a series of ring- like swelling on
their surface at regular intervals. Example: Psychotria (Ipecac)
These roots grow vertically downward from the lateral branches into the soil.
Example: Ficus
benghalensis (banyan tree), Indian rubber.
These are thick roots growing obliquely from the
basal nodes of the main stem. These provide mechanical support.
Example: Saccharum
officinarum, Zeamays, Pandanus,
Rhizophora.
These roots are produced from the nodes of the stem
which attach themselves to the support and help in climbing. To ensure a
foothold on the support they secrete a sticky juice which dries up in air,
attaching the roots to the support. Example: Epipremnum pinnatum, Piper betel,
Ficus pumila.
In certain trees broad plank like outgrowths
develop towards the base all around the trunk. They grow obliquely downwards
and give support to huge trunks of trees. This is an adaptation for tall rain
forest trees. Example: Bombax ceiba (Red
silk cotton tree), Ceiba pentandra (white silk cotton tree), Terminalia arjuna, Delonix regia, Pterygota
alata.
Some epiphytic orchids develop a special kind of
aerial roots which hang freely in the air. These roots develop a spongy tissue
called velamen which helps in
absorption of moisture from the surrounding air. Example: Vanda, Dendrobium, Aerides.
Roots are produced from the veins or lamina of the leaf for the formation of new plant. Example: Bryophyllum, Begonia, Zamioculcas.
These roots are found in parasitic plants.
Parasites develop adventitious roots from stem which penetrate into the tissue
of the host plant and suck nutrients.
Example: Cuscuta
(dodder), Cassytha, Orobanche (broomrape), Viscum (mistletoe), Dendrophthoe.
Roots
of some climbing or epiphytic plants develop chlorophyll and turn green which
help in photosynthesis. Example: Tinospora, Trapa natans (water chestnut), Taeniophyllum.
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