B.Sc.

Semester-II
Paper-II : PALAEOBOTANY &
MORPHOLOGY OF ANGIOSPERMS

Topic: Root Morphology

By

Dr. Prashant Shahare

D. B. Science College, Gondia. India.
 Tap root & adventitious roots
 Modifications for storage
 Respiration & reproduction.
 Tap root & adventitious roots
 Tap root Adventitious root
1. It is formed either from places other
1. It arises from the radicle of the
than radicle or its branches i.e.,
embryo.
stem, leaves.
2. Primary root is persistent.
2. Primary root is short-lived.
3. It is always underground.
3. Adventitious root system can be both
4. There is a single main root.
underground and above ground.
5. It can be deep feeder or surface
4. A number of larger roots arise in a
feeder.
cluster.
6. Main root is very thick as compared
5. If underground, the adventitious root
to other roots.
system is usually surface feeder.
7. Distinction of primary, secondary,
6. All roots are generally fibrous.
tertiary and rootlets is quite
7. There is no such distinction.
conspicuous.
Root: Characteristics, Types, Structure and Functions:
1. Root is the descending or underground part of the plant axis.

2. Root is usually positively geotropic (i.e. grows downward into the soil) and
positively hydrotropic (i.e. grows towards the source of water) but negatively
phototropic (i.e. grows away from sunlight).

3. Root is usually cylindrical and non-green (i.e. lack chlorophylls), but sometimes
green as in Trapa and Taeniophylum.

4. Root does not bear nodes, internodes, leaves or buds (exceptions are sweet potato,
wood apple etc.)

5. The growing point of root tip is sub-terminal and protected by a root cap or
calyptra.

6. Unicellular root hairs present just behind the root caps which increase the
absorptive surface area of roots,

7. Lateral roots are endogenous in origin i.e. arise from pericycle of the main root..
Rootless Plants:
Many plants growing in aquatic habitats do not possess roots because there is
little requirement for absorption of water and mineral salts, e.g., Wolffia,
Utricularia, Myriophyllum, Ceratophyllum. In other aquatic plants, roots
develop only for balancing (e.g., Lemna, Pistia) and fixation (e.g., Hydrilla).
Types of Roots:
On the basis of their origin, roots are of two types – tap root and adventitious
root.
(a) Tap root:
On germination of a seed, the radicle elongates into primary root or true root or
tap root. In dicot plants, the tap root is persistent and produces lateral roots
such as secondary’ roots, tertiary roots etc. All lateral roots arise in acropetal
succession i.e. younger roots towards apex and older roots towards base. The
tap root and its branches constitute the tap root system.
(b) Adventitious root:
These are the roots that grow from any part of the plant other than radicle. In
monocot plants, the tap root is short lived and soon replaced by adventitious
roots. A group of adventitious roots and their branches constitute adventitious
root system.
Modification of Roots:
The structural and functional changes in the roots to perform a special function
according to the need of the plant are called as modification of roots.
 On the basis of their origin, the adventitious roots are of
following three types:

i. Fibrous roots:
These are a cluster of equally prominent thread-like roots that develop
either from the base of stem (e.g., rice, wheat, maize, onion etc.) or from
the nodes of horizontal stem (e.g., grass, wood sorrel etc.)
ii. Foliar roots:
They arise from petiole (e.g., Pogostemon, rubber plant etc.) or veins of leaf
due to some injury. These can also be induced by application of hormones.
Some foliar buds can produce foliar roots, e.g., Bryophyllum, Begonia etc.
iii. True adventitious roots:
They arise from the nodes and internodes of the stem, e.g., Prop roots of
banyan, stilt roots of sugarcane, clasping roots of money plant and roots
from the stem cuttings.
Foot Structure:
A typical root can be differentiated into five regions. From apex to base
they are:
(a) Root Cap (Calyptra):
It is a cap like protective structure of the growing root tip. In Pandanus
(screwpine) multiple root caps present while in aquatic plants (Pistia, Eichhornia,
Lemna) root pockets present instead of root cap.
Function:
(i) Protects root meristem,
(ii) Secrete mucilage that help tender root to penetrate the hard soil,
(iii) Helps in perception of gravity (Darwin, 1880),
(iv) Root packet s functions as balances.
(b) Growing point or Meristematic Zone:
It is about 0.25-1.0 mm long, lies just behind the root cap and thus sub-terminal in
position. Its shape is like an inverted concave dome of cells. The central rarely
dividing cells are called quiescent centre.
Function:
Root meristem adds cells to root cap and the basal region of the root.
(c) Zone of elongation:
It is about 1-10 mm long and lies just behind the meristematic zone. As the name
implies, it is the site of rapid and extensive cell elongation. This zone increases
length of the root. The external cells can absorb water and minerals from the soil.
(d) Root hair Zone or Zone of differentiation:
It is about 1 -6 cm long. It is the zone where cell differentiate to form epiblema,
cortex, endodermis, pericycle, xylem and phloem. Many cells of epiblema elongate
to form unicellular root hairs. As the root grows, new root hairs develop and older
one shrivel and sloughed off.
Function:
Root hairs increase the absorptive surface area of root.
(e) Zone of maturation:
In constitute the major portion of the root. The cells attain maturity when they
reach this zone.
Function:
(i) Lateral roots may emerge from pericycle
(ii) Radial differentiation of tissues causes’ secondary growth in dicots.
Functions of Roots:
Roots perform two kinds of functions — Primary and Secondary. The primary
functions are performed by all kinds of roots, and they are structurally adapted
to per-form these functions. The secondary functions are specialized one and
are performed only by those roots which are modified accordingly.
The primary functions of roots are:
1. Anchorage or fixing the plant firmly to the soil so that they are not easily
uprooted.
2. Absorption and translocation of water and minerals from the soil to the
aerial parts of the plant.
3. Prevent soil erosion by holding the soil particles.
In many plants, roots are modified to serve many secondary functions like
food storage, mechanical support and various physiological activities other
than absorption.
 Tap Root System: Definition and Types
1. Definition of Tap Root System
2. Types of Tap Root System
3. Modification
4. Modification of Tap Root Branches.

Definition of Tap Root System:

It is a mass of roots which develops from
the radicle of the embryo. It consists of a
tap root, secondary roots, tertiary roots
and rootlets (Fig. 5.5).
The radicle itself grows up directly into the
main or primary root. The persistent
primary root is known as tap root. It is
usually the most prominent, thickest and
largest of all. Tap root becomes gradually
narrow towards the tip. Secondary and
tertiary roots are respectively the branches
of first and second order.
They are formed in acropetal succession (youngest towards growing point
and oldest towards the base of the parent root). In orientation the tap root is
vertical, secondary roots are horizontal or oblique while the tertiary roots
run in different directions. Rootlets are the ultimate root branches. They
bear root hairs for absorption.

Types of Tap Root System:

Tap root system is of two types— deep feeder and surface feeder. Deep feeder tap
root system has an elongated tap root which penetrates the deeper layers of the
soil. It is mostly met in trees. Deep feeder tap root system is also called racemose
tap root system.
In surface feeders the tap root does not elongate very much. The secondary roots
spread to a greater extent, mostly horizontal near the soil surface. Such a system
is also named as cymose tap root system. The cymose or surface feeder tap root
system of some annual plants consists of thin fibrous roots. It may be called
fibrous tap root system.
Modification of Tap Root System:
The tap root becomes swollen and fleshy with the stored food. The
secondary roots remain thin. Hypocotyl (embryonic region between
cotyledons and radicle) may also join the tap root in storing food. Stem is
reduced and discoid in the beginning and bears radical leaves.
Depending upon the shape, the fleshy tap roots are of the following
types:
(i) Conical:
Here the fleshy tap root resembles a cone, that is, the thickest towards base
and gradually tapering towards the apex (Fig. 5.6 A). Many thread-like
secondary roots are found throughout the length of conical fleshy root, e.g.,
Carrot (Daucus carota).
(ii) Fusiform:
The fusiform fleshy root is like a spindle, that is, thickest roughly in the
middle and narrow towards both its base and apex, e.g., Radish (Raphanus
sativus, vern. Mooli). The fusiform root of Indian Radish consists of swollen
hypocotyl near the base only and swollen tap root in the remaining region
(Fig. 5.6 B).
The latter possesses thin and thread-like secondary roots. In European
Radish (Fig. 5.6 C) the tap root forms only the terminal tapering fleshy part of
the root. The middle and the basal fleshy parts are formed by the hypocotyl.
(iii) Napiform:
The fleshy root is very thick at the base and is almost spherical. It suddenly thins
out towards the apex (top-like), e.g., Turnip (Brassica rapa, vern. Shalgam) and
Beet (Beta vulgaris, vern. Chakander). In Turnip most of the swollen part is
hypocotyl. The tap root occurs only towards the narrow pointed apical region
which also bears threadlike secondary roots (Fig. 5.6. D). In Beet both the tap
root and hypocotyl are swollen.
(iv) Tuberous Roots:
They are those thickened tap roots which do
not assume any definite form, e.g., Mirabilis
jalapa (Four O’ Clock) (Fig. 5.7), Trichosanthes
(vem. Parwal), Echinocystis lobata. In
Echinocystis lobata the tuberous root is lobed
and weighs as much as 22 kg.
Modification of Tap Root Branches:
i. Nodulated (Tuberculate) Roots:
They occur in papilionaceous (leguminous)
plants like Pea (Pisum sativum), Gram
(Cicer arietinum), Groundnut (= Peanut,
Arachis hypogea), Methi (Medicago
falcata), Soy Bean (Glycine max), Alfalfa,
etc.
The secondary, tertiary roots and
sometimes the primary root develop
numerous small or large irregular swellings
called root nodules or tubercles (Fig. 5.8).
The root nodules enclose millions of minute
nitrogen fixing bacteria of the genus
Rhizobium (e.g., R. leguminosarum).
These bacteria pick up the free nitrogen present in the soil atmosphere
and convert it into organic compounds of nitrogen. The property of
converting free nitrogen into nitrogenous compounds is called nitrogen
fixation.
Some of the nitrogenous compounds are taken up by the legume in
return for food and shelter. Therefore, both the bacteria and the
leguminous plant are benefitted by their association. Such a mutually
beneficial relationship is called reciprocal symbiosis or mutualism.
ii. Pneumatophores (= Aerophores = Respiratory Roots, Fig. 5.9):
They are breathing or respiratory roots which are found in plants growing in
mangroves or saline swamps near the sea shore, e.g., Avicennia, Sonneratia,
Heritiera (vern. Sundri). The plants possess spreading horizontal cable roots.
The horizontal roots develop upright aerial roots or pneumatophores at short
intervals. Short downwardly growing absorbing roots are formed from the
bases of pneumatophores.
Pneumatophores or respiratory roots come out of water and pick up oxygen
for perspiration of roots. Excess CO2 is also given out. For this they bear small
pores called lenticels (= pneumathodes) near their tips. The remaining surface
of pneumatophores is covered by cork.
1. Definition of Adventitious Root System
2. Typical Adventitious Roots
3. Modification.
Definition of Adventitious Root System:
Roots that grow from any part of plant other than the radicle or its branches
are called adventitious roots (L. adventitious— extraordinary). They branch
like the tap root. A mass of adventitious roots along with their branches
constitute an adventitious root system. Adventitious root system may be
underground or aerial. They generally develop from stem nodes, intermodals,
leaves, etc.
Horizontal stem of creepers often develop adventitious roots from the nodes
(e.g., Grass, Wood Sorrel). Branch cuttings and leaf cuttings (e.g., Rose,
Sugarcane, Tapicca, Sansiviena) develop adventitious roots when placed in
soil. In Coleus, the cuttings develop adventitious roots on being partially
immersed in water. Hormones also induce development of adventitious roots.
 Typical Adventitious Roots:

Fibrous Roots:
They are underground roots which arise in
groups from the nodes of an horizontal stem
(e.g., Grass, Fig. 5.10). The main roots are of
equal length. They give off small branches.
Both the main root and their branches are thin
and thread-like. Therefore, they are called
fibrous roots. The fibrous roots do not
penetrate deep in the soil. They remain near
the soil surface and are called surface feeders.
Modifications of Adventitious Roots:
Storage of Food:

1. Fleshy Adventitious Roots:

The adventitious roots become thick and fleshy due to the storage of food.
They are of several types depending upon the shape and place of the
swollen part:
(i) Tuberous Root or Single Root Tubers:
The swollen roots do not assume a definite shape. They occur singly, e.g., Sweet
Potato (Ipomoea batatas, vern. Shakar Kandi, Fig. 5.11 A).
(ii) Fasciculated Fleshy Roots:
The swollen roots or root tubers occur in clusters. In Dahlia they lie at the base of
the stem (Fig. 5.11 B) while in Asparagus the fasciculated fleshy roots occur at
intervals on the normal roots (Fig. 5.11 C).
(iii) Palmate Roots:
The fleshy roots are thickened like the palm of human hand. They similarly possess
finger-like outgrowths, e.g., Orchis (Fig. 5.11 D).
(iv) Nodulose Roots:
In nodulose roots the swellings occur only near the tips, e.g., Curcuma amada
(Mango Ginger, Fig. 5.12 A), Maranta (Arrow-root), Turmeric.
(v) Moniliform or Beaded Roots:
The roots are swollen at regular intervals like beads of a necklace, e.g., Basella
(Portulaca) rubra (Indian Spinach, vern. Kulfa), Momordica (Fig. 5.12 B), some
grasses (Fig. 5.12 C).
(vi) Annulated Roots:
These thickened roots possess a series of ring-like outgrowths or swellings, e.g.,
Cephaelis or Psychotria (Ipecac, Fig. 5.12 D).
Mechanical Support:
2. Prop or pillar (Fig. 5.13):
They are thick pillar-like adventitious roots which grow from and support heavy
horizontal branches of Banyan tree. Initially the roots are aerial and hygroscopic.
They become red in the moistened state. Root caps are present at their tips.
As the roots reach the soil, they become thick and pillar-like. The main
trunk of the tree often becomes indistinguishable. Its death will not
affect the growth of the tree because the crown is supported and
nourished by prop roots.
A Banyan tree (Great Banyan Tree) growing in Indian Botanic Gardens,
Howrah (Indian Botanical Gardens, Kolkata) has 1775 prop roots. Its
main trunk has decayed. The crown of the tree has a circumference of
404 m.
The tree is over 200 years old. The largest Banyan tree grows in
Thimmamma Marrimanu village of Anantapur district in Andhra
Pradesh. It is spread over an area of 5.2 acres. Two other famous trees
are at Adayer (=Adiyar) in Chennai and Ketohalli village near Bangalore.
Rhizophora a mangrove plant also possesses prop roots on which
lenticels occur.
3. Stilt Roots (Brace Roots):
They are short but thick supporting roots which
develop obliquely from the basal nodes of the stem. In
Sugarcane, Maize, Pennisetum and Sorghum the stilt
roots grow in whorls. After penetrating the soil, they
develop fibrous roots which hold the soil firmly to
provide support to the long and narrow jointed and
unbranched stems (culms) like the ropes of pole or tent
(Fig. 5.14).
Additionally they allow for better absorption of water
and mineral salts. In Screwpine or Pandanus
odoratissimus the stilt roots develop only from the
lower surface of the oblique stem to provide support.
Being one sided, they are also called prop roots. The
supporting roots of Pandanus bear much folded
multiple root caps (Fig. 5.15).
4. Clinging or Climbing Roots:
These are non-absorptive adventitious roots which are found in climbers. They may
arise from the nodes (e.g., Tecoma, Betel), intemodes (Ficus pumila) or both (e.g.,
Ivy). The clinging roots penetrate the cracks or fissures of the support.
They hold the support firmly by forming claws (e.g., Tecoma), swollen discs or
secreting a sticky juice at their tips (e.g., Ivy). Examples are found in juvenile stage of
Ivy (Hedera nepalensis, Fig. 5.16A), Pothos (Money Plant, Fig. 5.16 C), and Betel
(vern. Paan, Piper. Floating betle, Fig. 5.16 B), Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), Tecoma
(Fig. 5.16 D).
Vital Functions
5. Assimilatory Roots:
They are green roots which are capable of
photosynthesis. In Trapa (Water Chestnut,
vern. Sanghara, Fig. 5.17) the green
assimilatory roots are submerged like other
roots.
They develop from the stem nodes and are
highly branched to increase photosynthetic
area. Photosynthetic roots are also found in
Tinospora (vern. Gilo, Gillow, Gurcha, Fig.
5.18). They are like green hanging threads
which arise from the stem nodes during the
rainy seasons and shrivel during drought.
6. Haustorial or Parasitic Roots:
The roots occur in parasites for absorbing nourishment from the host. Hence,
they are also called sucking roots or suckers. Cuscuta (Dodder, vem. Amarbel or
Akashbel, Fig. 5.19) has nongreen stems and scale leaves. It does not have any
connection with the soil. The parasite sends haustorial roots into the host (e.g.,
Duranta, Zizyphus, Citrus, Acacia, Clerodendrum).
They make connections with
both xylem (water channel)
and phloem (food channel) of
the host absorbing both
water and food (Fig. 5.20).
The partial parasite of
Viscum (Mistletoe) is green.
It sends a primary
haustorium into the host
from which secondary
haustoria arise making
connections with the xylem
channels of the host for
absorbing water and mineral
salts only.
7. Epiphytic or Aerial Roots (Hygroscopic
Roots, Fig. 5.21):
The roots occur in epiphytes (plants living on the
surface of other plants for shelter and space only;
hence also called space parasites). Epiphytes
bear three types of roots — clinging (for fixation),
absorbing (for absorbing mineral salts and
moisture from dust collected on bark) and
hygroscopic aerial or epiphytic.
The aerial or epiphytic roots are thick, irregular
and hang down in the air. They do not have root
caps and root hair. Instead they possess a
covering of dead spongy tissue known as
velamen. With the help of velamen, the epiphytic
roots are able to absorb water from moist
atmosphere, dew and rain, e.g., Vanda,
Dendrobium.
8. Floating Roots (Root Floats, Fig. 5.22):
They occur in Jussiaea (= Ludwigia). Here a
number of adventitious roots arise from each
node. Some of them store air, become inflated,
project out of water, make the plant light and
function as floats. The root floats help the plant
in floating on the surface of water. They also
help in gaseous exchange (hence also respiratory
roots).
9. Reproductive Roots:
These adventitious roots are generally fleshy and develop
adventitious buds. The adventitious buds can grow into new plants
under favourable conditions. Such roots are called reproductive
roots, e.g., Sweet Potato (vern. Shakar Kandi, Fig. 5.23), Dahlia.
Thank You….!