Root Facts...

We know that roots are the underground, non-green part of the plant which provides anchorage to the plant.

The main functions of the roots are fixation of the plant firmly to the soil and absorption of water and minerals from the soil . In some cases, the roots are modified to perform specialized functions such as storage and support.

Roots are also of different kinds. They are ,

• Tap roots
• Fibrous roots
• Adventitious roots

Tap root system consists of a prominent main root and many smaller roots emerging from it called the lateral roots. Small fine hair like outgrowths that are present in the lateral root are called root hairs which are responsible for the absorption of water and nutrients from the soil. Dicot plants have tap root system.

Fibrous roots are bunch of roots of similar size. These roots spread out in all directions. Monocot plants have fibrous root system.

Adventitious roots are roots that do not grow from the radicle. They grow from various areas of the plant.