Roots System

Plants are a very significant component of our ecosystem. They maintain ecological balance by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the environment. Roots System are one of the most important parts of plants and perform multiple functions.

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They are covered with tiny hairs, which help them absorb water and minerals from the soil. However, some exceptional plants, like mosses, do not possess any roots and absorb nutrients through their rhizoids.

What are Roots?

Roots are the underground part, which is an essential component of every vascular plant. They perform various vital functions, including anchoring the plants to the ground, absorbing minerals and water, and storing food for the plants. Roots are typically a part of the stem that grows underground. Unlike stems, it has a root cap and branches developed from the internal tissue instead of leaves and buds.

Types of Roots

Roots are primarily divided into tap roots and fibrous roots.

Tap Root System

The tap root system is mostly found in dicotyledonous plants. It has a long, thick main root, out of which many small root strands called root hairs appear. It is usually deeply penetrated and difficult to uproot. Some examples of tap root plants include beetroot and carrot, and tap root trees include pines and firs.

Fibrous Root System

The fibrous root system is generally found in monocotyledons. It is a group of thin, branched roots that grow from the base of the stem. Such root systems are widely spread, and a few roots go deeper into the roots. It also helps in preventing soil erosion. Some examples of fibrous root systems include grass, coconut, wheat, and rice.

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What are Aerial Roots?

Aerial roots are a unique root system that grows above the ground from the branches or stems. The functions of these roots are the same as those of the underground roots. They help a plant absorb nutrients, anchor, and support the tree. Since these roots are exposed to air, they are named aerial roots. Plants that grow in soils with low nutrients usually have such roots. Banyan and maize are some examples of plants with aerial roots.

Functions of Roots

• One of the main functions of roots is to support plants. It helps plants stay firm in the ground and supports the plant body.
• Secondly, roots help in the absorption of important nutrients, water, and minerals from the soil.
• Plants prepare their food with the help of photosynthesis, and roots help in storing the prepared food in the form of starch.
• Roots are the vegetative parts of plants and, in some cases, help in reproduction. It is called vegetative propagation. The sweet potato is an example of reproduction through roots. The sweet potato reproduces by forming new plants from its roots.
• Roots also perform environmental functions by preventing soil erosion. They help prevent soil erosion by supporting the plant securely in the ground.

Also Check: How do Plants Grow

Modification of Roots

• In plants like radish and carrot, their tap roots are modified for storing food.
• In Banyan trees, roots grow above the soil, hanging down from the branches for extra support.
• In wet and marshy areas, roots arise above the ground to aid in gaseous exchange in roots.
• Nodular roots in leguminous plants have root nodules that store nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The Rhizobium bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates for the plants.

How roots absorb water?

This absorption process involves tiny structures called root hairs. These hair-like structures are found on the surface of the roots. Roots absorb water with the help of root hairs through a process called osmosis. The concentration of molecules of water is lower in the root hair cells, and hence, water is absorbed inside them from the soil. In the same process, water molecules move from one cell to another. The process is repeated until the water reaches the xylem tissue. The xylem helps transport water up to the rest of the plant. So, water is transported from the soil, through the roots and root hairs, to the xylem and the whole plant.

Different parts of a root

• Root Cap- The tip of the root dives deep into the soil. The root cap is a group of cells present at the tip of the root that help this growing tip. It also helps

• The Zone of Cell Division- The zone of cell division is present just above the root cap. It contains meristematic cells that divide rapidly. It is divided into three parts, protoderm, ground meristem, and procambium.

• The Zone of Elongation- In order to push the root inside the soil, the cells elongate about ten times. This process takes place in the zone of elongation.
• The Zone of Maturation- The cells present in the zone of maturation help in storage, conduction, and protection. Functional cells are present in this part of the root.

Characteristics of root

• Roots show positive geotropism, i.e., grow in the direction of gravity towards the soil.
• Root hairs increase the surface area of the roots for better absorption of water and nutrients.
• Certain roots are modified for the storage of extra nutrients and carbohydrates.
• As roots grow through the soil, they improve soil aeration.

Roots System FAQs

What are the 4 types of roots?

The four types of roots are- Tap Root Systems, Fibrous Root Systems, Adventitious Root systems, Tuberous roots.

Mention some edible roots.

Some roots are edible in nature. Such roots include carrots, radishes, beetroots, etc.

Do all plants have roots?

Most of the plants have roots, excluding some non-flowering plants like mosses. They absorb water and minerals through a special organ called rhizoids.