Root Systems and Tissues Plant Science Root Systems

Root Systems and Tissues Plant Science

Root Systems o Normally under the ground o Anchor the plant o Supply water and nutrients

Root Systems o The largest part of the plant is usually the root system. o Roots take up more space in the soil than does the top part of the tree seen in the air above ground. o Some roots grow into the soil 6, 8, or 10 feet.

Adventitious Roots o Poison Ivy has roots that grow above the ground and help them climb trees, walls, and sides of buildings. o These roots are called adventitious roots. www. ptpleasantbch. k 12. nj. us/. . . / plants. html

Taproot o Generally grows straight down from the stem o heavy, thick o Not many side or lateral branches www. napagarden. com/ pages/tipsnew. html

Taproot o Often used for human and animal consumption o Food storage organs o Carrots, sugar beets www. napagarden. com/ pages/tipsnew. html

Fibrous Roots o Generally thin o Somewhat hairlike o Numerous o Shallow, small thin branched roots www. living-foods. com/ articles/roots. html

Fibrous Roots o Grasses o Corn o Many ornamentals o Dry out easily www. living-foods. com/ articles/roots. html

Root Tissues o All roots look similar when they are examined on the inside.

Root Tissues collecti. ic. gc. ca/gardens/ Horticulture/The. . . ons

Root Tissue o The parts of the root have very specific functions in the plant. o A knowledge of these parts is helpful in n n Diagnosing diseases And other dysfunctions of plants

The Root Cap o The outermost part of the root o Protects the tender growing tip as the root penetrates the soil. o A tough set of cells.

The Root Cap o Able to withstand the coarse conditions that the root encounters as it pushes its way through soil with rock and sand particles. o As the root cap wears away the cells are replaced by more cells that develop at the root tip o This portion of the root is known as the area of cell division.

Area of Cell Division o Provides new cells that allow the root to grow longer. o Cells in this area multiply in two directions. o Smaller, tougher cells produced on the front edge of this region.

Area of Cell Division o They replace cells on the root cap that are worn off or destroyed as the tip pushes its way through the soil. o Small and more tender cells are produced on the back of this area. o They are used as the root tip grows longer.

Area of Elongation o Toward the base of the plant. o In this area the cells start to become longer and specialized. o The cells also start to look older and will start to do their specific jobs.

Xylem o Responsible for carrying the n n Water Nutrients o That are in the soil to the upper portion of the plant.

Phloem o Function as the pipeline. o To carry the manufactured food down from the leaves to other plant parts, including the roots. n Where it is used or stored

Area of Cell Maturation o Where cells mature o Where root hairs emerge o Root Hairs n Small microscopic roots

Root Hairs o Rise from existing cells located on the surface of roots. o Root hairs take in water and nutrients. o Very small and tender. o Break off very easily.

Root Hairs o Plants must be handled very carefully when transplanted. o Once the root hairs are broken off, they cannot re-grow or be replaced.

Root Cross section o Where do the root parts we just went over fit on this diagram? www. cropsci. uiuc. edu/. . . / longlrootareas. jpg