Question

Give different types of root modification in plant

Answer 1

The adventitious roots are modified to give extra support to the plant. Following are two examples:

Prop roots/ columnar roots in banyan: These aerial roots appear like props or columns. In banyan tree, these adventitious roots develop from large, horizontal branches of large trees. The roots grow towards the soil & once they reach the ground they divide & redivide . They form props or pillars supporting the massive horizontal branches of banyan tree.

Stilt roots in maize & Pandanus: The stilt roots are adventitious & aerial. They develop from the lower part of the trunk (The lower nodes) & grow obliquely. The roots of Pandanus are stout. The stilt roots give extra support to plants with cane like stem.

Answer 2

Plants have three types of root systems: 1.) taproot, with a main taproot that is larger and grows faster than the branch roots; 2.) fibrous, with all roots about the same size; 3.) adventitious, roots that form on any plant part other than the roots. Fibrous systems are characteristic of grasses and are shallower than the taproot systems found on most eudicots and many gymnosperms