48 Questions
Which zone of the root is defined by the presence of root hairs?
Zone of Maturation
Where do branch roots originate in a root system?
Pericycle
What is the function of the endodermis in the root?
To regulate water movement
How does water travel through the root?
Via both apoplast and symplast
What is the function of the pericycle in the root?
To develop branch roots
What is the structural difference between the vascular cylinder of a dicot and a monocot?
Dicots have arms of xylem arranged in a cross shape, while monocots have a ring of xylem
Which part of the root is responsible for generating root pressure?
Root hairs
What is the main function of the root cap?
Protection from friction
What is the main function of taproots?
To store nutrients
Which cells in the root cap contain modified leucoplasts called statoliths?
Root cap cells
Which type of roots arise out of non-root tissues such as stems or leaves?
Adventitious roots
What is the longitudinal structure of roots divided into?
Zones
Where does the Zone of Cell Division occur in the root?
At the root tip
What is the main function of the Zone of Elongation in the root?
Cell growth
Which type of roots penetrate the host roots and parasitize other plants?
Haustorial roots
What percentage of plant biomass do roots account for?
50%
What is the main function of root hairs?
Absorption
What is the function of pneumatophores in plants?
To allow passage of oxygen in anoxic environments
What is the function of the root cap cells known as statocytes?
Gravitropism
What is the mechanism by which water is pumped to the rest of the plant?
Absorption by root hairs
Which layer of the root is responsible for the development of branch roots?
Pericycle
What is the function of casparian strips in the endodermis?
To prevent apoplastic movement
Which type of roots have a large central storage root with many branch roots?
Taproots
What is the main function of fibrous roots?
Stabilizing soil
Which type of roots allow the passage of oxygen into plant tissues in anoxic environments?
Pneumatophores
What is the function of haustorial roots in plants?
Parasitizing other plants
Which type of roots absorb water from the air through a modified epidermis called 'velamen'?
Aerial roots
What is the function of prop roots in plants?
Anchorage
What is the main function of cypress 'knees' in plants?
Aid in gas exchange
Which type of roots arise out of non-root tissues such as stems or leaves?
Adventitious roots
Which part of the root is responsible for the downward growth of roots?
Root cap
What is the main function of the Zone of Cell Division in the root?
Cell division
What is the main function of the Zone of Elongation in the root?
Cell growth
What is the main function of root hairs?
Absorption of water
What is the longitudinal structure of roots divided into?
Zone of Cell Division and Zone of Elongation
What is the main function of the root cap?
Protection from friction
Which cells in the root cap contain modified leucoplasts called statoliths?
Root cap cells
What is the main function of the pericycle in the root?
Formation of branch roots
What is the main function of taproots?
Anchorage
What is the function of pneumatophores in plants?
Aeration of roots
Root hairs are found in the Zone of ______
Maturation
Branch roots originate deep in the center of the root at a structure called the ________
pericycle
Monocots have a vascular cylinder defined by a ring of ________ surrounding a central pith
xylem
The ______ is a meristematic layer responsible for the development of branch roots
pericycle
Taproots are specialized for anchorage and nutrient storage and consist of a large central storage root with many ________ roots
branch
What are the main structural differences between the root systems of dicots and monocots?
Dicots have a vascular cylinder called a stele, which is defined by 'arms' of xylem arranged in a cross shape, while monocots have a vascular cylinder defined by a ring of xylem surrounding a central pith.
Explain the function of pericycle in the root.
The pericycle is a meristematic layer responsible for the development of branch roots. It originates deep in the center of the root and grows outward, penetrating the tissues of the existing root until the branch roots emerge.
Describe the different types of specialized roots mentioned in the text.
The text mentions various types of specialized roots, including prop roots (such as those found in corn and tall grasses), pneumatophores (roots that allow passage of oxygen in anoxic environments), clinging roots (e.g., English ivy), aerial roots (which absorb water from the air through a modified epidermis called 'velamen'), and haustorial roots (which parasitize other plants by penetrating the host roots with modified haustorial roots).
Study Notes
Root Structure and Function
- Root hairs are found in the Zone of Maturation.
- The presence of root hairs defines the Zone of Maturation.
- The root cap is responsible for generating root pressure and protecting the root tip.
Branch Roots
- Branch roots originate deep in the center of the root at a structure called the pericycle.
- The pericycle is a meristematic layer responsible for the development of branch roots.
Vascular Cylinder
- The vascular cylinder of a dicot is defined by a ring of vascular tissues surrounding a central pith.
- The vascular cylinder of a monocot is defined by a ring of sclerenchyma cells surrounding a central pith.
Root System Differences
- The main structural differences between the root systems of dicots and monocots are the number of vascular tissues and the arrangement of the vascular cylinder.
Specialized Roots
- Taproots are specialized for anchorage and nutrient storage and consist of a large central storage root with many branch roots.
- Fibrous roots are specialized for anchorage and consist of a network of many branching roots.
- Haustorial roots are specialized for parasitizing other plants and penetrating their host roots.
- Pneumatophores are specialized for allowing the passage of oxygen into plant tissues in anoxic environments.
- Prop roots are specialized for supporting the plant above ground and preventing it from falling over.
- Cypress 'knees' are specialized for allowing the passage of oxygen into plant tissues in anoxic environments.
Root Function
- The main function of root hairs is to increase the surface area for water absorption.
- The main function of the root cap is to protect the root tip and generate root pressure.
- The main function of the pericycle is to develop branch roots.
- The main function of taproots is for anchorage and nutrient storage.
Root Zones
- The Zone of Cell Division is responsible for the growth of new root cells.
- The Zone of Elongation is responsible for the elongation of new root cells.
- The Zone of Maturation is responsible for the differentiation of new root cells.
Root Cells
- Statocytes are specialized cells in the root cap that contain modified leucoplasts called statoliths.
- Statoliths are involved in the sensing of gravity.
Test your knowledge on vegetative organs and roots with this quiz! Learn about the basic functions of roots, including anchorage, absorption, conduction, and storage. Discover the importance of root hairs in water absorption and understand their structure.
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