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The Root

The document discusses various types of root modifications in plants, including fibrous, prop, pneumatophores, root nodules, mycorrhizal, parasitic, velamen, and photosynthetic roots. Each type serves specific functions such as support, respiration, nitrogen fixation, and moisture absorption. Examples of plants exhibiting these modifications are provided, illustrating their ecological adaptations.

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Priyanshi
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2 views

The Root

The document discusses various types of root modifications in plants, including fibrous, prop, pneumatophores, root nodules, mycorrhizal, parasitic, velamen, and photosynthetic roots. Each type serves specific functions such as support, respiration, nitrogen fixation, and moisture absorption. Examples of plants exhibiting these modifications are provided, illustrating their ecological adaptations.

Uploaded by

Priyanshi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1. Differentiate fibrous roots from adventitious roots.

N
E
E Ans:
T - Roots formed from any part of the plant other than radicle are called adventitious
roots.
V
- Adventitious roots that arise as a tuft from base of the stem to replace the primary
I
root are called fibrous roots.
S
I
o
n

TOPIC DR. K.VANI MANOHAR 1


2. Define modification. Mention how root is modified in banyan tree and mangrove
plant?
N
E Ans:
E - Modification is change in the normal structure of a plant or its organ to perform
T either only additional functions or both additional and normal functions.
- In banyan tree the adventitious roots of horizontal branches are modified to give
V
pillar like mechanical support to the branches. They are called prop roots.
I
- In mangrove plant, the lateral roots of underground roots become aerial, possess
S
minute openings called pneumathodes to provide oxygen to underground roots for
I
respiration. Such roots are called pneumatophores or respiratory roots.
o
Ex: Rhizophora.
n

TOPIC DR. K.VANI MANOHAR 2


3. Which type of specialized roots are found in epiphytic plants? What is their
function?
N
E Ans:
E
- The specialized roots found in epiphytes are Velamen roots. These are aerial roots
T
that help in absorbing atmospheric moisture by a process known as imbibition.

V Ex: Vanda
I
S
I
o
n

TOPIC DR. K.VANI MANOHAR 3


4. Define root modification. Explain how root is modified to perform different
functions?
N
E
E Ans:
T - Modification is change in the normal structure of a plant or its organ to perform
either only additional functions or both additional and normal functions.
V
- Roots are modified to perform various functions such as storage, mechanical support
I
to plant, respiration, absorption of atmospheric moisture, absorption of more water
S
and minerals from soil, nitrogenous nutrition, photosynthesis and absorption of water
I
and food from other plants. Some of the modifications are as follows.
o
n

TOPIC DR. K.VANI MANOHAR 4


A. Storage roots
These roots become swollen due to
N
deposition of excessive food materials.
E
1. Storage tap roots: Tap root of some
E plants stores food materials and attains
T different shapes.

a) Conical roots: Ex: Carrot


V b) Napiform roots: Ex: Turnip
I c) Fusiform roots: Ex: Radish
S 2. Storage adventitious roots:
I a) Fasciculated roots: Ex: Asparagus
o b) Nodal storage roots: Ex: Sweet potato
n

MORPHOLOGY OF FLOWERING PLANTS - ROOT DR. K. VANI MANOHAR 5


B. Mechanical Roots
Modified roots that provide additional
N
support to plants.
E
1. Stilt roots: The supporting roots that
E arise at the nodal region and enter
T obliquely into the soil to provide
additional support to stem.

V Ex: Maize, Sugarcane

I 2. Prop roots: Aerial adventitious roots


arising from horizontal branches of
S
huge trees and enter into the soil to
I provide pillar like support to
o branches.

n Ex: Banyan tree

MORPHOLOGY OF FLOWERING PLANTS - ROOT DR. K. VANI MANOHAR 6


C. Pneumatophores
N - These are also called Respiratory roots

E - They are found in plants growing in swampy areas

E (Mangroves).

T - These roots are vertically and upwardly growing


negatively geotropic roots.

V - They have minute lenticels in the aerial region of the root


known as Pneumathodes. These help in entry of Oxygen
I
and exit of Carbondioxide during the process of
S
respiration
I
Ex: Rhizophora
o
n

MORPHOLOGY OF FLOWERING PLANTS - ROOT DR. K. VANI MANOHAR 7


D. Root Nodules
N These roots are commonly seen in legumes or Fabaceae members.

E These are spherical or cylindrical swollen structures formed due to


divisions in cortex and pericycle cells of root.
E
Its inner cortical cells have bacteria (Rhizobia) which fix atmospheric
T nitrogen into ammonia and give it to the plant. In return bacteria
get food materials from the plant.
V They have a pigment leghemoglobin which helps in controlled
supply of oxygen to plant. It imparts red or pink colour to the
I nodules.
S These are meant for nitrogen fixation, show symbiosis and improve
I soil fertility
o Ex: Pea, Bean,
n Root nodules of Alnus have a filamentous bacterium called Frankia

MORPHOLOGY OF FLOWERING PLANTS - ROOT DR. K. VANI MANOHAR 8


E. Mycorrhizal Roots
N - Modified roots associated with fungal mycelia.
E - Show mutualistic symbiosis.
E - Fungus invests the roots and its hyphae may enter the
T cells and intercellular spaces of root.
- Such roots usually lack root hairs and root caps.
V - Fungus absorbs minerals (mainly phosphorus) and
I water and supply them to plant.
S - Plant provides organic food to the mycelium

I Ex: Pinus
o The fungus Glomus is usually involved in mycorrhizal
n formation.

MORPHOLOGY OF FLOWERING PLANTS - ROOT DR. K. VANI MANOHAR 9


F. Parasitic Roots
N
- Modified roots seen in parasitic angiosperms.
E
- Also called as haustorial roots or sucking roots.
E
- Some obtain only mineral water from host root
T
xylem (Striga) or stem xylem (Viscum) – Partial
parasites
V
- Some others obtain both mineral water and food
I
materials from the host stem (Cuscuta) or root
S (Rafflesia), - Complete parasites
I
- Plants with such roots are considered as partial
o heterotrophs
n Cuscuta

MORPHOLOGY OF FLOWERING PLANTS - ROOT DR. K. VANI MANOHAR 10


G. Velamen Roots
N
- These modified roots are associated with epiphytes.
E
E - They are aerial hanging roots with a dead multiple

T epidermis known as Velamen which helps in


absorbing atmospheric moisture by imbibition. Vanda

V Ex: Vanda
I H. Photosynthetic Roots
S
- These are modified adventitious roots that become
I
green coloured and perform photosynthesis.
o
Ex: Taeniophyllum
n Taeniophyllum

MORPHOLOGY OF FLOWERING PLANTS - ROOT DR. K. VANI MANOHAR 11

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