12.4 Roots

What are the biological functions of plant roots?

They are there to anchor the plant by keeping it upright. They help in absorbing water and nutrients and sometimes storing water and carbohydrates.

Can you tell the difference between monocots and eudicots by looking at root cross-section? Why or why not?

Yes, you can differentiate between monocots and eudicots by examining the root cross-section. Monocots have a circular arrangement of vascular tissue and a fibrous root system, while eudicots have a more complex arrangement of vascular tissue and a taproot system.

Plants store most of their starch in their roots rather than their leaves. This storage often at it’s maximum in the winter. How might these adaptations benefit the plant?

**Plants store starch in their roots to survive winter, produce seeds, and cope with drought.**

Which plant part is likely to supply the greatest amount of food energy to other species-leaves or roots?

Leaves are more likely to supply the greatest amount of food energy to other species than roots because they are the primary site of photosynthesis. Roots do not photosynthesize and store less energy than leaves.

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suggest a way that humans have taken advantage of this overwintering adaptation of roots

Humans have taken advantage of the overwintering adaptation of roots by harvesting root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips for food during the winter months when other crops are not available.

Taproots

thick, large main roots, grows straight down, __**lateral roots and root hairs**__

Fibrous roots

Shallow, angiosperm, monocot, small roots, __**lateral roots and root hairs**__

Casparian strip

wax-like strip that runs through the cells wall of an endodermal cell

root cap

mass of cells that form a protective covering for the meristem at the root tip

endodermis

innermost layer of cells in the cortex of a root

vascular cylinder

central portion of a root that contains the xylem and phloem

root cortex

a region of parenchyma cells under the epidermis of a root

80 % of plant species have symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi. Some plants have mutualistic nitrogen-fixing living bacteria within specialized root nodules. Describe these two relationships.

Plants have a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which help them absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Some plants also have a mutualistic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria living inside specialized root nodules, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the plant can use.

Explain how the root specializations of adventitious roots helps plants survive

Adventitious roots grow from the stem or leaves of a plant and can help it survive by providing support, stability, and access to resources such as oxygen or surfaces for climbing.

Explain how the root specializations of tuberous roots helps plants survive

tuberous roots provide plants with a means of storing nutrients and water, which can help them survive during periods of low light or water availability. They can also help plants survive in nutrient-poor soils by releasing organic acids that solubilize nutrients.

five ways humans use roo

1\. **Food**: For example, carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes are all root vegetables that are commonly consumed.

2\. **Medicine**: Some roots have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine. For example, the root of the ginseng plant is used to boost energy and reduce stress.

3\. **Dyes**: Some roots can be used to make natural dyes. For example, the root of the madder plant is used to produce a red dye.

4\. **Beverages**: Some roots are used to make beverages. For example, the root of the chicory plant is roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute.

5\. **Erosion control:** For example, willow trees are often planted along riverbanks to help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.

What function of roots makes them suitable as a food supply for humans and other animals?

Roots are a good source of nutrients for humans and animals because they can store carbohydrates, proteins, and other important nutrients.

lateral root

is a type of root that grows from the primary root of a plant. Lateral roots are important for anchoring the plant in the soil and for absorbing water and nutrients.

endodermis

is a specialized layer of cells in the roots and stems of plants that separates the cortex from the vascular tissue. The endodermis plays a key role in regulating the movement of water and nutrients into and out of the plant.