Questions and Answers
What is the non-green part of a plant that grows in the soil?
Root
The root grows upwards towards light.
False
Which of the following is NOT a function of roots?
What type of root system develops from the radicle of a germinating seed?
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Which of these roots arises from ordinary roots lying buried in saline swamps?
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What are the three types of storage roots?
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Adventitious roots develop only from the radicle of a plant.
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Match the following types of roots with their functions:
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What part of the plant does the stem develop from?
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The stem is _____ geotropic and _____ phototropic.
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What is one primary function of the stem?
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Study Notes
Morphology of Root
- Roots are non-green plant parts growing underground, originating from the radicle of the seed embryo.
- They exhibit negative phototropism, growing away from light, and do not photosynthesize.
- The root cap protects the root apex, while unicellular root hairs near the tips enhance absorption surface area.
- Functions of roots include:
- Anchorage: Fixing the plant to the soil.
- Absorption: Extracting water and minerals from the soil through root hairs.
- Conduction: Transporting water and minerals to the stem via xylem.
Root Systems
- Two primary root systems:
- Tap Root System: Developed from the radicle, featuring a primary or tap root that branches into secondary and tertiary roots; common in dicot plants and typically deep feeders.
- Adventitious Root System: Roots develop from non-radicle parts (e.g., stem bases, nodes, or foliar buds); commonly found in monocots, where the short-lived primary tap root is replaced by fibrous roots.
Modifications of Roots
-
Storage Roots: Thickened tap roots for food storage. Types include:
- Conical (e.g., Carrot)
- Fusiform (e.g., Radish)
- Napiform (e.g., Beetroot)
- Respiratory Roots (Pneumatophores): Upright roots arising in waterlogged marshy areas for gas exchange (e.g., Sonneratia, Avicenna).
- Tuberous Roots: Thickened adventitious roots from creeping stems, e.g., Sweet potato.
- Prop Roots: Vertical roots growing from branches in plants like the Banyan tree.
- Stilt/Brace Roots: Roots from stem nodes offering support, found in maize, sugarcane, and bamboo.
Morphology of Stem
- Stems are the main axis of the plant, derived from the plumule of the embryo.
- They are negatively geotropic and positively phototropic, with distinct nodes and internodes.
- Young stems are green and photosynthetic, featuring a terminal bud at the growing apex.
Functions of Stem
- Supports leaves and branches to optimize light exposure.
- Conducts water and minerals from roots to leaves, along with food from leaves to storage organs.
- Bears flowers and fruits.
Modifications of Stem
- Underground Stems: Non-green, perennial stems storing food and facilitating vegetative propagation; adapted for surviving unfavorable conditions.
- Rhizomes: Short, horizontal, thick underground stems storing food and allowing vegetative propagation.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the morphology of roots in flowering plants. It covers the characteristics, functions, and developmental aspects of the roots, emphasizing their role and structure. Test your knowledge about how roots grow, their adaptations, and their importance in plant biology.
