4.8 Roots Pages 295-296
Roots
Ta Phrohm temple in Cambodia
Function Anchor plant Absorb water and nutrients Store water and carbohydrates
Types of Roots Taproot Fibrous roots
Tap root vs. Fibrous Root Large, thick main root Many small roots Lateral roots possible Root hairs Gymnosperms and angiosperm eudicots Angiosperm monocots
Root hairs Microscopic hair-like outgrowth from an epidermal cell. Increase surface area for absorption
Root cap slippery substance produces allows root to penetrate soil meristem
Root Cortex Parenchyma Stores carbohydrate Water passes through cortex
Endodermis Wrapped with a wax-like substance. Form a barrier called the Casparian strip
Vascular cylinder Monocot Eudicot
Monocot vs. Eudicot Monocot Root Eudicot and Gymnosperm Roots Parenchyma cells in centre No central parenchyma cells Xylem and Phloem in a ring around parenchyma cells Xylem and phloem X-shape arrangement in centre of root
Root Specializations 80% of plants have mutualistic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi Also, nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobia are found in the root nodules of legumes
Roots continued… Tuberous roots: lateral roots used for storage For example: yam Adventitious root: prop root
Uses of roots Food Medicine Erosion control