Root Adaptations - Topic 1 (Plant Science II), Element 3 Flashcards
What type of root system develops from the radicle of a germinating seed?
Taproot system
Taproots are characterized by a primary root that thickens and lateral roots branching off.
What are the two general types of root systems?
Taproots and fibrous roots
Taproots typically grow vertically, while fibrous roots form a network of smaller roots near the surface.
What is the main function of roots?
To take in water and nutrients
Roots absorb essential resources from the soil to support plant growth.
What adaptation allows roots to absorb nutrients from the moisture in the air?
Velamen
Velamen is a layer of dead cells that helps epiphytic orchids absorb moisture.
True or False? Roots can help plants reproduce.
True
Roots can regenerate from pieces or form new shoots, leading to clonal propagation.
Fill in the blank: A _______ root is any root that arises from a place other than the primary taproot.
Adventitious
Adventitious roots can form from stem cuttings or other non-primary locations.
What are the advantages of root adaptations for plants?
Anchorage/support, water/nutrient uptake, orientation, reproduction, carbohydrate storage, water storage, gaseous exchange
These adaptations enhance a plant’s survival and growth in its environment.
What is nutrient foraging in plants?
The behavior of roots growing to new areas of soil with more nutrients
This process increases the density and number of roots, enhancing nutrient uptake.
What is a pneumatophore?
A modified root that projects above water for gas exchange
Pneumatophores are common in trees like Taxodium distichum that live in waterlogged environments.
What is the role of mycorrhizal fungi in relation to roots?
To increase the surface area for nutrient absorption
Mycorrhizal fungi form beneficial associations with roots, enhancing their ability to forage for nutrients.
True or False? Shallow-rooted plants are more stable than deep-rooted plants.
False
Shallow-rooted plants are less stable and more susceptible to drying out.
What type of root adaptations allow for gas exchange in waterlogged conditions?
Pneumatophores
These specialized roots allow gas exchange between submerged roots and the air.
What are the two types of root tubers?
Root tubers and stem tubers
Both types serve as storage organs for carbohydrates and water.
What is phototropism?
The growth of plants towards light
Positive phototropism is observed in shoots, while roots exhibit negative phototropism.
What is gravitropism?
A growth response to gravity
Roots grow downward (positive gravitropism) while shoots grow upward.
Fill in the blank: _______ roots can form from shoot tips or runners/stolons.
Adventitious
These roots allow new plants to establish from parts of the parent plant.
What issues can arise from raised roots?
Damage to paving and hard surfaces, difficulty in lawn maintenance
Raised roots can disrupt landscaping and pose challenges for mowing.
What is the significance of totipotency in root propagation?
The ability of roots to regenerate and produce new plants
Totipotency allows for effective propagation from root cuttings.
What are the adaptations of Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris?
Specialized roots that allow it to cling to surfaces
This adaptation helps climbing plants secure themselves to supports.
What is thigmotropism?
A growth response to touch
This allows roots to navigate around obstacles and supports.
Na
Deeper root systems
Plants with deeper root systems are generally more stable compared to those with shallower roots.
What occurs when there is too much water in the soil?
Reduces oxygen levels and encourages roots to form close to or on the soil surface
This phenomenon can lead to stability issues for plants.
Which trees are prone to forming raised roots due to excess water?
Sorbus aria (Common Whitebeam), Prunus ‘Kanzan’ (Cherry ‘Kanzan’)
Raised roots can lead to structural damage in pavements.
What issues can raised roots cause?
Damage to paving and hard surfaces, difficulty when mowing lawns
Raised roots can also be a tripping hazard.
What type of propagation method does Rubus idaeus use?
Produces buds on its roots that sprout new shoots
This enables Rubus idaeus to spread easily.
Na
Na
How do root tubers help plants survive adverse environmental conditions?
They allow plants to die back above ground and use stored carbohydrates for new growth
This process typically occurs during dry summers or cold winters.
What is a secondary benefit of root tubers?
Limited protection from herbivores
While not their primary function, root tubers do offer some defense.
What is an example of a plant with root tubers that can sprout new shoots?
Ipomoea batatas
This plant can grow new shoots and roots from buds on its tubers.
