Plant Roots - Form & Function

Front

Average last frost date in Chattanooga

Back

April 7th

Front

Functions of plant roots

Back

1) Uptake of water and nutrients

2) Anchorage and support

3) Storage of nutrients and food

Front

A root that originates from the radicle (seed root) and grows straight down. They can reach water deep in the soil.

Back

Taproot

Front

Roots that grow above the surface of the soil to provide oxygen to plants in very wet soil.

Back

Air roots

Front

Roots originating in areas other than where they typically arise, most commonly from stem or root tissue

Back

Adventitious roots

Front

Roots that grow to the side of the plant, just below the surface of the soil.

Back

Lateral roots

Front

A root system that consists of numerous smaller roots branching out from the base of the stem. They are good at stabilizing soil (controlling erosion) and are found on many monocots (ie. grasses).

Back

Fibrous root system

Front

Root system best at reaching deep water in soil

Back

Taproot system

Front

Vascular tissue in plant roots made of dead cells

Back

Xylem

Front

Type of meristematic tissue that allows plant roots to grow wider

Back

Lateral Meristem