Plant Biology: Regions and Modifications of Roots

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the root cap?

  • To support the plant
  • To protect the root apex (correct)
  • To store food
  • To absorb water and minerals

Which region of the root is responsible for its growth in length?

  • Region of differentiation
  • Region of maturation
  • Region of elongation (correct)
  • Region of meristematic activity

What structure forms from the epidermal cells in the region of maturation?

  • Adventitious roots
  • Tap roots
  • Prop roots
  • Root hairs (correct)

Which type of roots are typically swollen to store food, such as in carrots?

<p>Tap roots (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are prop roots primarily used for in banyan trees?

<p>Structural support (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of root structure do Rhizophora plants develop for respiration?

<p>Pneumatophores (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the root is characterized by small, thin-walled cells with dense protoplasm that divide repeatedly?

<p>Region of meristematic activity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are adventitious roots best known for?

<p>Support the plant (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of root hairs in flowering plants?

<p>To facilitate water and mineral absorption (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which region of the root do cells start to differentiate and mature?

<p>Region of maturation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plants typically demonstrate modified tap roots for food storage?

<p>Carrot (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of root arises from the stem nodes and provides support to plants like sugarcane?

<p>Adventitious roots (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do pneumatophores assist plants like Rhizophora in their habitat?

<p>By facilitating oxygen intake for respiration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the root is characterized by rapid cell division?

<p>Region of meristematic activity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature do prop roots of the banyan tree provide?

<p>Support for the tree’s heavy branches (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of cells in the region of elongation is most critical for their function?

<p>Small size with thin walls and dense protoplasm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Region of Meristematic Activity

The region just above the root cap where rapidly dividing cells cause root length growth.

Root Cap

A thimble-like structure at the root apex that protects the tender root tip as it grows through the soil.

Region of Elongation

The region where cells of the root increase in length, following cell division.

Region of Maturation

The region where cells differentiate and mature to perform specific functions, located above the elongation zone.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Root Hairs

Fine, thread-like structures that grow from epidermal cells of the root to absorb water and minerals from the soil.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Modified Roots

Roots that have changed structure and function, not limited to water absorption, in various plants; for support, storage, or respiration.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prop Roots

Modified roots which grow from the stem of a plant to provide extra support.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Adventitious Roots

Roots that arise from parts of the plant other than the main root, often stems and sometimes leaves.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pneumatophores

Vertical roots that grow upward from the roots of plants in swampy areas to obtain oxygen.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Root Cap Function

Protects the growing tip of the root as it pushes through the soil.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Meristematic Activity Region

Rapid cell division region at the root tip enabling root growth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Root Elongation Region

Root cells enlarge and lengthen in this region, after dividing.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Root Maturation Region

Cells mature and specialize to perform root functions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Root Hairs

Fine structures on roots that absorb water and minerals from soil.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Modified Roots

Roots that have adapted to perform functions beyond water and nutrient absorption.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prop Roots

Supporting roots growing from the stem, like in Banyan trees.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Adventitious Roots

Roots growing from stems or leaves, rather than the main root.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pneumatophores

Vertical roots in swampy plants, which helps respiration.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Regions of the Root

  • Roots are covered at the apex by a thimble-like structure called the root cap
  • The root cap protects the tender apex of the root as it makes its way through the soil
  • A few millimeters above the root cap is the region of meristematic activity. The cells in this region are small, thin-walled, and have dense protoplasm, which divides repeatedly
  • The region of elongation is proximal to the region of maturation, extending the root in length. Cells in this area elongate and mature.
  • From this region, some epidermal cells form fine, delicate, thread-like structures called root hairs.
  • Root hairs absorb water and minerals from the soil.

Modifications of Roots

  • Some plant roots change shape and structure to perform functions other than absorption and conduction of water and minerals.
  • They are modified for support, storage of food, and respiration
  • Tap roots of carrots, turnips have storage of food.
  • Adventitious roots of sweet potato has storage of food.
  • Banyan tree uses aerial roots for support
  • Plants growing in swamps have pneumatophores (respiratory roots) growing vertically upwards to expose the roots for the absorption of oxygen from the air.
  • Similar structures are found in mangrove trees.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser