Question

2. Define root system. Give two functions of roots.
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Answer 1

Answer:

Root, in botany, that part of a vascular plant normally underground. Its primary functions are anchorage of the plant, absorption of water and dissolved minerals and conduction of these to the stem, and storage of reserve foods.

Answer 2

$\huge\rm\underline\red{ANSWER :-}$

{ALL ABOUT ROOTS ✌️✌️}

What are Roots?

Roots are the important underground part of all vascular plants. This part of the plant is mainly responsible for anchoring it down into the ground and absorbing the essential mineral elements, nutrients, and water from the soil. It is also used to store food.

However, not all plants have their roots underground, some plants have their roots growing above the ground. These are called aerial roots. Alike underground roots, these aerial roots are also responsible for absorbing nutrients, anchoring and affixing the plant by supporting them to the structures such as nearby walls, rocks, trellises, etc.

Few examples of plants with the aerial roots are–Bonsai, Banyan Tree, Mangroves, etc.

Types of Roots

Types of Roots - Fibrous root and Taproot

Types of Roots - Fibrous root and TaprootTypes of Roots – Fibrous root and Taproot

All roots have similar functions, however, their structure varies. Hence, based on these criteria, the root system is classified into two types:

TapRoot System

Taproots have a main central root upon which, small, lateral roots called root hairs are attached. Mustard, carrot, beetroot, parsley, china rose and all dicotyledons are examples of taproot systems.

Fibrous Root System

Fibrous roots, on the other hand, are bushy roots in which thin, moderately branching roots grow from the stem. Rice, wheat, maize, marigold, banana and all monocotyledons are some examples of the fibrous root system

Functions of Root

Following are the important functions of root:

Roots perform various functions that are necessary for the survival of the plants. They are an integral or integrated system that helps the plant in:

Anchoring: Roots are the reason plants remain attached to the ground. They support the plant body, ensuring that it stands erect.

Absorption: Primary function of the roots is to absorb water and dissolved minerals from the soil. This is crucial as it helps in the process of photosynthesis.

Storage: Plants prepare food and store in the form of starch in the leaves, shoots and roots. Prominent examples include carrots, radish, beetroot, etc.

Reproduction: Even though roots are not the reproductive part of plants, they are vegetative parts. In some plants, the roots are a means of reproduction. For instance, new plants arise from creeping horizontal stems called runners (stolons) in jasmine, grass, etc. This type of reproduction is called vegetative propagation.

Ecological Function: They check soil erosion, provide sustenance and also habitat to various organisms.