Tag: root - external morphology

Fibrous roots are highly branched roots and have more root hairs as well as more surface area than a taproot system. Due to more surface area, fibrous root helps the plants of anchorage to soil very firmly. So, the correct answer is 'Anchorage of plant to soil'.

Fasciculated roots are found in Dahlai and Asparagus.  The fasciculated roots are tuberous roots arising from the stem base in clusturs. 

The common feature between Pinus, Monotropa and Sarcodes is mycorrhizal roots. Mycorrhizae form a mutualistic relationship with the roots of most plant species. Most plant families are predominantly mycorrhizal. This mutualistic association provides the fungus with relatively constant and direct access to carbohydrates. The carbohydrates are translocated from their source to root tissue and onto the plant's fungal partners. In return, the plant gains the benefits of the mycelium's higher absorptive capacity for water and mineral nutrients due to the comparatively large surface area of mycelium, thus improving the plant's mineral absorption capabilities.

Radish is an example of fusiform tap root. The edible part of radish is a modified tap root. In a plant with a taproot system, the taproot is the central and dominant root. Typically, a taproot is straight and very thick. It is tapering in shape and grows directly downward. There are different types of modified tap roots like fusiform, napiform, conical, tuberous roots. Fusiform root is swollen at the middle and tapers gradually at both the ends forming a spindle shaped structure.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D.

Roots growing from any part of plant other than the original root system are termed as adventitous roots. Adventitious roots arise out of sequence from the more usual root formation of branches of a primary root and instead originate from the stem, branches, leaves or old woody roots. They commonly occur in monocots and pteridophytes. Most aerial roots and stilt roots are adventitious. In some conifers, adventitious roots can form the largest part of the root system.
Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Modified aerial adventitious roots which develop from lower part of the stem node for mechanical support are called as stilt roots. Stilt roots arise from basal nodes of the stem near the soil. Stilt roots are generally present in plants growing in loose sandy soils. As the normal roots are not properly fixed, these modified roots enter obliquely into soil and act as supporting organs. For example, Zea mays (maize). 

Vetiveria is the common name for the plant Chrysopogon zizanioides, one of the fragrant grass varieties. The roots of this plant stores an aromatic oil that is used in skin treatment and in aromatherapy. The aromatic oil extracted from the roots of Chrysopogon zizanioides is known as khus oil.
Thus, the correct answer is option C.

Tuberous roots are found in Ipomoea batatas. A tuberous root or storage root is a modified lateral root which is enlarged to function as a storage organ. The enlarged area of the storage root can be produced at the end or middle of a root or involve the entire root. It is thus different in origin but similar in function and appearance to a stem tuber. Examples of plants with notable tuberous roots include the sweet potato, Cassava, and Dahlia. The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. Its large, starchy, sweet-tasting, tuberous roots are a root vegetable. The young leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten as greens.
Thus, the correct answer is option C.

Stilt root occur in sugarcane. These are adventitious support roots which are common among mangroves. They grow down from lateral branches, branching in the soil. Stilt roots arise from the first few nodes of the stem. The stilt root penetrates down into the soil. It gives support to the plant. For example, maize and sugarcane.
Thus, the correct answer is option C.