12.4 Roots

Question 1

Roots purpose

Answer 1

• The root of the plant grows down into the ground
• Main purpose is to take in water and minerals from the soil
• These are absorbed through tiny tube shaped cells called root hairs
• The root also acts as an anchor holding the plant firmly in the soil

Question 2

Types of systems

Answer 2

• Taproot system
• Lateral root
• Root hair
• Fibrous root system

Question 3

Taproot system

Answer 3

a large thick root with smaller lateral roots

Question 4

Lateral root

Answer 4

smaller root that branches from larger root

Question 5

Root hair

Answer 5

microscopic extension of root

Question 6

Fibrous root system

Answer 6

Root system made up of many branching roots

Question 7

Taproot

Answer 7

• Large root with smaller ones growing out of it
• Many root vegetables fall in this category

Question 8

Fibrous root

Answer 8

Systems of many equal sized roots, all of which branch off into smaller roots

Question 9

General structure of roots

Answer 9

• End of the root contains 2 things:
  Root Cap: mass of cells forming a protective covering
  Meristem: helps produce a slipper substance at end of root to allow for easier penetration through soil

Question 10

Specialized roots

Answer 10

• Adventitious roots
• Tuberous root

Question 11

Adventitious root

Answer 11

Grows directly from a special kind of stem called a bulb

Question 12

Tuberous root

Answer 12

A lateral root specialized to store carbohydrates
ex. yams