The Root

Lab -5-
The Root
The root is the principal underground organ of the plant body and functions primarily in anchorage and absorption. The roots of many plants are also specially modified as food storage structures. Roots also contain meristematic tissues (apical meristems) for the production of new cells and vascular tissues for the transport of materials through the plant body.
You should be familiar with the following terms associated with the root system:
Primary Root. The first root of a plant that develops from the radicle of the embryo.
Secondary Root. Any of the branches of the primary root.
Taproot System. A root system that consists of an enlarged primary root that is noticeably larger than the secondary roots is termed a taproot system. Carrots, beets, turnips, etc. are all good examples of plants that produce a taproot system.
Fibrous Root System. A root system in which the primary root and its branches are approximately equal in size.
Adventitious Roots. Any roots that arise from parts of the plant other than the radicle of the embryo are termed adventitious roots.
Herbaceous Monocot Roots
The basic structure of herbaceous monocot roots is very similar to that of herbaceous dicot roots. In cross section, you should be able to identify the epidermis, cortex, endodermis, and the vascular cylinder. Notice that the arrangement of tissues in the vascular cylinder differs between monocot and dicot roots.
Herbaceous Dicot Roots
The roots of most dicots are composed of several different kinds of simple and complex tissues and exhibit a very characteristic structure when viewed in cross section. You should be able to identify (and be familiar with the functions of) the following parts of the root.
Root Tissues
Basic Differentiation Regions of the Root
Apical Meristem. The root apical meristem is located at root tips. It produces new