L11 Plant Science: Anatomy: Roots Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is the primary function of roots?
Anchors plant in the ground and takes up nutrients and water from the soil.
What does the root core contain?
Transport vessels for water and nutrients – xylem and phloem.
What is the role of the root cap?
Protects root tip and produces slime, which facilitates movement.
What is xylem?
Vascular tissue that transports water and nutrients upwards from roots.
What is phloem?
Vascular tissue that transports glucose downwards from leaves and stems.
Fill in the blank: The root core contains ________ for transport of water and nutrients.
xylem and phloem
What are the two main types of vascular tissue in roots?
- Xylem
- Phloem
What is the definition of Epidermis?
The outer covering composed of a single layer of cells.
Derived from Greek epi = over + dermis = skin.
What does the term Cortex refer to in plant anatomy?
Layer between epidermis and inner tissues containing cells for food storage.
The term is derived from the Latin word for ‘bark’.
What is a Pericycle?
Circular band of cells around xylem and phloem.
Facilitates new lateral growth
The term comes from the Greek word perykyklos, meaning spherical.
Define Meristem in the context of plant growth.
Tissue containing rapidly dividing cells which create growth.
Derived from the Greek word meristos, meaning divided.
What is the function of Apical meristem?
Located at root tips, causes lengthening (primary growth).
Apical meristem is crucial for the vertical growth of plants.
What does Lateral meristem do?
Running the length of roots, causes widening (secondary growth).
Lateral meristem contributes to the increase in girth of the plant.
What are adventitious roots?
Latin adventīcius – coming from the outside
Roots that may emerge from structures that are not conventional roots, such as rhizomes or stems.
What is the primary purpose of adventitious roots?
To provide the plant with oxygen and nutrients as efficiently as possible, often bypassing the conventional root.
What are pneumatophores?
(Greek pneum – air + phorein –carry)
Plants with underwater roots that have adventitious roots above water to give access to air.
Because their conventional roots are underwater - less oxygen
Which type of plant is an example of pneumatophores?
Mangrove.
What do aerial roots do?
Take in moisture from humid air.
Which plant is an example of aerial roots?
Orchid.
What are prop roots used for?
To provide flexibility against wind damage.
Which plant is an example of prop roots?
Maize.
What is the function of contractile roots?
To pull bulbs deeper underground to reach a stable temperature level.
Which plant is an example of contractile roots?
Garlic.
What is the primary function of nutrient storage in roots?
Energy (as starch) stored in tap roots
Examples include Dandelion and Carrot.
