how can you tell which part of a log was nearer to the top and which part was nearer to the roots ?
Answers
You may not know it, but you have likely eaten many roots in your lifetime. Carrots, beets, and turnips are actually the roots of plants, growing deep into the ground to provide nutrient storage and stability. These types of roots are called taproots and are one long, vertical root that grows straight down into the ground.
But even a taproot is more complex than just a single structure. Taproots give rise to lateral roots, which also store sugar and other nutrients that the plant will need later. These root branches also provide extra support for the plant, helping to anchor it even more securely in the ground.
Together, these various root parts compose an overall root system. And while they are responsible for much of the support and food storage, the actual absorption of nutrients comes through the root hairs, which are found at the root tips. Root hairs are found in large quantities in these areas and greatly increase the surface area of a root.
Root HairsFunction of Root HairsRoot hairs are a very simple structure and can occur on the root tip in the thousands! They are basically an extension of the root's external cells.