1. Roots—Chapter 5 vocabulary Adventitious root Fibrous root system
Lateral root
Mycorrhiza
Prop root
Radicle
Root apical meristem
Root cap
Root hair
Tap root
Zone of elongation
Pericycle
Endodermis
Root nodule

2. Function of Roots Three main functions Anchor the plant in the ground
Absorb water and minerals
Produce hormones

3. Root System types
Taproot system-a single prominent root that is bigger than the rest
Examples: radish, carrot
Fibrous root system- mass of roots that are very similarly sized
Examples: onions, Palm trees, grasses

5. Monocots have only fibrous roots because they are not capable of secondary growth. Therefore, they only grow primarily, or upward (downward) once.
Dicots are capable of secondary growth, or growing outward, so a large primary root could grow very large. May have both types of roots

6. Fibrous v. Tap Roots
Root systems will generally exist as a function of the environment and the organism.
Plants that grow where rain is plentiful will often grow roots closer to the surface.
Plants that grow where rain is seasonal will often grow deep roots top access under ground water.

10. Taproots Develops from a radicle, or embryonic seed root
Lateral Roots: Roots that branch off of the primary root.

11. Fibrous Root system Roots do not grow from a radicle.
Radicle disappears shortly after germination

12. Adventitious Roots
Roots that do not arise on pre- existing roots and not part of the radicles

13. Tubers
A tuber is a thickened underground stem, and the stem tissue serves as the primary storage tissue. Meristems (where new shoots grow) occur on the tuber and are commonly called "eyes" on a potato.

14. Rhizome
A rhizome is a modified stem, and the stem tissue itself is the primary storage tissue. The rhizome, however, is unique in that it grows horizontally through soil

15. Prop Roots Roots that are partly exposed in the air
Used to help support the plant

16. Aerial Roots Roots that are entirely exposed above the ground.
Special cells on the outside of the root, called velamen, prevent the roots from drying out

17. Mycorrhizae
Roots of 80% of all seed plants have a symbiotic relationship with soil fungi, both benefit.
Plant gains phosphorus and other minerals that it normally can’t absorb efficiently
Fungi gets sugars from photosynthesis in return

18. Root Nodules
Some plants have the ability to grow nitrogen fixing bacteria in their roots. (The original farmers?)
Roots swell to accommodate bacteria
Even though 78% of the atmosphere is nitrogen, plants can’t use it.
The bacteria can take it out of the atmosphere a fix it into usable forms like ammonia

19. Parasitic plants
Some plants can actually be parasites on other types of plants
Haustoria- Roots of parasitic plants are modified to penetrate other plants and absorb nutrients
Dodder—parasitic on wheat
Mistletoe—parasitic on trees…hmmm

21. Root hairs Root hairs are extensions of the epidermis
Greatly increases surface area.
Aids in anchoring the plant
Aids in absorbing water and nutrients