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Questions and Answers
What are the four primary functions of roots?
What are the four primary functions of roots?
Absorption of water and inorganic nutrients, anchoring the plant body, storage of food and nutrients, transport and conduction of water, hormones, and minerals.
Distinguish between a primary root vs a lateral/branch root.
Distinguish between a primary root vs a lateral/branch root.
Primary roots originate from the embryonic root and grow downward, while lateral roots extend horizontally from the primary root.
Distinguish between a taproot vs fibrous root system and which plants are most likely to have each.
Distinguish between a taproot vs fibrous root system and which plants are most likely to have each.
Taproot systems have a main root that grows downward, found in dicotyledonous plants. Fibrous root systems consist of thin, branching roots, common in monocotyledonous plants.
Why do tropical trees have shallow root systems?
Why do tropical trees have shallow root systems?
Define adventitious roots.
Define adventitious roots.
What takes place in the region of cell division, cell elongation, and cell maturation? In which region are root hairs found and why?
What takes place in the region of cell division, cell elongation, and cell maturation? In which region are root hairs found and why?
Why are root hairs important?
Why are root hairs important?
What are the various functions of the root cap and mucigel?
What are the various functions of the root cap and mucigel?
What is the rhizosphere?
What is the rhizosphere?
What role do mycorrhizal fungi play in plant growth? Distinguish between ecto vs endomycorrhizal fungi.
What role do mycorrhizal fungi play in plant growth? Distinguish between ecto vs endomycorrhizal fungi.
Why do some plants form root nodules?
Why do some plants form root nodules?
Identify which tissue system the following belong to: epidermis, cortex...
Identify which tissue system the following belong to: epidermis, cortex...
Study Notes
Root Functions
- Roots perform four major functions: absorption of water and nutrients, anchoring the plant, food storage, and transportation of water and minerals to the stem.
Primary Root vs. Lateral Roots
- Primary roots originate from the embryonic root and grow downward.
- Lateral roots branch out from the primary root, enhancing stability and nutrient absorption.
Taproot vs. Fibrous Root System
- Taproot systems have a main root growing vertically, typical in dicots like dandelions and carrots.
- Fibrous root systems consist of thin, branching roots, common in monocots and ferns.
Shallow Root Systems in Tropical Trees
- Tropical trees possess shallow root systems to quickly absorb surface nutrients in poor rainforest soil, preventing nutrient loss during heavy rains.
Adventitious Roots
- Adventitious roots grow from stems or leaves, above ground, aiding in support, stability, reproduction, and anchoring vines.
Cell Regions in Roots
- The region of cell division is where active division occurs, while elongation pushes roots through soil.
- Cell maturation involves root hair formation, which increases surface area for nutrient absorption.
Importance of Root Hairs
- Root hairs significantly enhance a plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients.
Functions of Root Cap and Mucigel
- The root cap protects delicate cells, while mucigel facilitates soil penetration, binds soil, mobilizes nutrients, and attracts beneficial microorganisms.
Rhizosphere
- The rhizosphere is the soil region near plant roots, rich in microbiological activity, enhanced by organic molecules secreted by root cells.
Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi
- Mycorrhizal fungi enhance water and nutrient absorption in exchange for carbohydrates from the plant.
- Ectomycorrhizal fungi grow on root surfaces, while endomycorrhizal fungi penetrate root cells.
Root Nodules in Plants
- Root nodules, primarily found in legumes, house nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and are pink due to leghemoglobin, which regulates oxygen concentration for efficient nitrogen fixation.
Root Anatomy
- Familiarity with various root tissues and their corresponding systems is essential, including epidermis and cortex.
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Description
Explore the essential functions of roots in plants, including water absorption, anchoring, and nutrient transport. Delve into the differences between primary, lateral, taproot, and fibrous root systems. This quiz will enhance your understanding of root structures and their adaptations in various environments.
