1. Understanding Root Anatomy

2. Examine the functions of roots in plants.
Identify the parts of a root.
Differentiate the two major types of root systems.
Evaluate the health of a root system.

3. What are the functions of a plant’s roots?
The roots anchor the plant to the ground and support the above ground part of the plant.
The roots store food that has been made through photosynthesis.
This food can be used later when a plant needs it to grow or survive.

4. What are the functions of a plant’s roots?
Aeration
The exchange of gases
Closely linked to healthy roots
high percentage of pores in soil provides good aeration

5. What are the functions of a plant’s roots?
The roots need to be constantly growing in order to stay healthy.
When roots are weak or diseased, the whole plant has difficulties.

6. What are the functions of a plant’s roots?
Soil moisture plays a significant role in root system health:
Available water
Water that can be absorbed by the plant roots
Unavailable water
Thin film of water that binds tightly to the soil particles
Cannot be used by the plants
Water-holding capacity
The ability of soils to hold water.

7. What are the parts of a root?
Primary root
First structure to emerge from the seed.
Most important root in the whole root system

8. What are the parts of a root?
Secondary roots
Other roots branching out from the primary root
New cells develop at the tip of the root
Can be easily damaged
Protected by a root cap
Epidermis
Skin cells on the surface of the root
Where the water and minerals enter
the root through osmosis and diffusion
Root hairs
Elongated epidermis cells
Greatly increase the surface area of the root

9. What are the two types of root systems?
Taproot system
A root system composed of one main primary root and many secondary roots branching off
Many dicot plants have taproot systems
Examples of taproot include radishes, beets, and carrots

10. What are the two types of root systems?
Fibrous root system
A system that has no
dominant primary root but
is made of many primary
and secondary roots of
similar size
Typically on monocot plants
Examples: grasses, pansy,
many annual flowers

11. What are the two types of root systems?

12. What does a healthy root system look like?
A healthy root system is white or nearly white in color and smells fresh.
If roots are black, brown, or dark orange and smell rotten or sour, the root system is having some problems.
Although a plant growing outside has a majority of roots in only the top two feet of soil, a plant in a pot should have its roots evenly dispersed throughout the soil in the pot.