Roots- Morphology of Flowering plants

Roots- Morphology of Flowering Plants

The term Morphology is derived from Greek words: morphe– forms and logos– study

Morphology is the branch of biological science that deals with the study of the form, size, shape, color, and external structure of organisms.

In flowering plants is large diversity is found in external structure or morphology these are mostly differentiated into the root system (underground) and shoot system (aerial).

The root system consists of roots and their branches while the shoot system consists of stems, branches, leaves, buds, flowers, and fruits.

parts of flowering plant — Parts of flowering plant

Table of Contents

The Root

The root is generally non-green, underground, hydrophytic, and positively geotropic. it is a negatively phototropic and descending cylindrical axis of a plant that develops from the radicle of the embryo.

These provide anchorage for the plant, taking in water and nutrients which help the plant to grow.

Structure of Roots

Generally, the roots of plants divided into three main regions

Region of Maturation
Region of Elongation
Region of Meristematic Activity- A few millimeters above the root cap

The root is covered at the apex by a thimble-like structure called the root cap. Its main function is to protect the tender apex of the root that makes its way through the soil. Region of meristematic activities found above root cap.

The region of elongation is found at the place where the newly formed cells increase in length and by this the lengthening or elongation or the root takes place.

from the region of maturation epidermal cells form very fine and delicate, thread-like structures called root hairs. These root hairs absorb water and minerals from the soil.

Type of root system

The main functions of the root system are the absorption of water and minerals from the soil, providing a proper anchorage to the plant parts, storing reserve food material, and synthesizing plant growth regulators.

Formation of the primary root by the direct elongation of radicle in most dicotyledonous plants. It grows inside the soil. It bears lateral roots of several orders that are referred to as secondary, tertiary, etc. roots.
The primary roots and their branches constitute the tap root system, as seen in the mustard plant.
There are short-lived primary roots found in monocot plants, which are replaced by a large number of roots that originate from the base of the stem and constitute the fibrous root system, as seen in the wheat plant.
The roots arise from parts of the plant other than the radicle and are called adventitious roots. In some plants, like grass, Monstera, and the banyan tree.

Modifications of Roots

S.No	Modification of root	Functions	Example
1	Modification of Tap Root
I	Conical	root base is broad, tapering apex and fleshy basal part is shown Storage of food	Carrot (Daucus carota)
II	Fusiform	The middle part is swollen, tapering apex, secondary root arises from the apical region. Storage of food	Radish (Raphanus sativus)
III	Napiform	The base found thick, root suddenly tapers towards the apex Storage of food	Turnip (Brassica rapa)
IV	Tuberous	Tuber like, no definite shape or size Storage of food	Mirabilis
V	Nodulated (tuberculated)	Nodules on primary secondary roots . Atmospheric N2 fixation ability.	Pea (peasum sativum)
VI	Respiratory roots (Pneumatophores)	Functions to gas exchange in aerobic respiration.	Mangrove plants (sonneratia and Avicenia, Rhizophora)
2	Modification of Adventitious Roots
I	Fasciculate	Store food	Dahlia and Asparagus
II	Moniliform	Store food	Portulaca and Momordica
III	Annulated	Medicinal value	Ipecac (cephaelis)
IV	Palmate	Medicinal value	Orchid
V	Reproductive	Vegetative propagation	Sweet potato and Dahlia
3	Modification of Root For Mechanical Support
I	Prop root	Arises from nodules of main stems grow vertically downward the soil and anchor. Functions as Mechanical support.	Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis), rubber plant
II	Stilt root	Arises from the stem, enters in soils, consisting of many root caps. Functions for aditional support, absorption of water and minerals from the soil	Pandanus, Sorghum, Maize
III	Clinging Roots	Arises from nodes and internodes in week stemmed plants these observed in epiphytes or space parasites Function for climbing, additional support	Piper betel and pothos
Iv	Buttress roots	These are large wide roots that arise from the basal part of the stem, spreads in the soil in various directions. Works for support	Almond and peepal

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Roots- Morphology of Flowering plants