The document discusses the structure and function of plant roots. It describes how roots anchor the plant, absorb water and nutrients, and store food. Roots systems vary in their morphology between dicots and monocots. Roots have several tissues including the epidermis, cortex, endodermis, pericycle and vascular system. The root tip contains an apical meristem that drives root growth. Root hairs significantly increase the surface area for absorption. The endodermis regulates the movement of water and nutrients into the vascular system. Roots undergo modifications to serve functions like storage or support.

1. Plant structure and function Roots Objectives of today’s lecture: Learn about the functions of the root system and its importance to plant growth and development Learn the structures that allow the root to perform these functions Learn some of the modifications that occur in roots

2. Functions of the Root anchorage to the soil (or other substrate) absorption of water acquisition of mineral nutrients a tissue for energy (food) storage for propagation and dispersal of some species

3. Functions of the Root Root morphology is highly variable

4. Functions of the Root Root morphology is highly variable most dicotyledonous plants (those with 2 seed leaves) have a prominent primary root monocots (with one cotyledon or seed leaf) typically have a more diffuse fibrous root system

5. How extensive are root systems? A 40 ft. tall oak tree primary tap root penetrated 14 ft. into the soil lateral roots extended to a radius of 60 ft.

6. How extensive are root systems? A single winter rye plant growing in a pot with 2 cu. ft. of soil clump of about 80 shoots, total leaf area of 51 sq. ft. 143 primary roots 35,000 secondary roots 2 million tertiary roots 11 million quaternary roots total root surface area of 6,500 sq. ft.

7. Importance of the root system in horticulture Essential for growth of virtually all plants Are there examples of plants that don’t have roots?

8. Importance of the root system in horticulture Many horticultural plants are transplanted in ornamental landscaping Trees and shrubs Perennials and annuals

9. Importance of the root system in horticulture Vegetable seedlings and fruit trees are transplanted Successful transplanting depends on a vigorous and healthy root system Many horticultural products are roots Primarily vegetables

10. Growth of the root system Root growth depends on the activity of the root apical meristem located just behind the root cap at the tip of the root provides a source of new cells for extension and elongation of the root

11. Growth of the root system Growth of the root occurs at the tip Ink dots are placed on the roots of a seedling (A). As the seedling grows, the dots at the top of the root (near the stem) stay in position. The dots near the tip move apart (B), indicating that this region is growing.

12. Tissues of the root Epidermis Cortex Endodermis Pericycle Vascular System Phloem Cambium Xylem Root tissues can be regarded as a series of concentric rings of different tissues

13. Epidermis Single layer of cells on the exterior of the root NOT covered with a cuticle root is designed for water uptake cuticle is a barrier to water Epidermis Cortex Endodermis Pericycle Vascular System Phloem Cambium Xylem

14. Epidermis Root hairs are specialized epidermal cells single cells that elongate perpendicular to the root

15. Epidermis Root hairs contribute the largest fraction of root surface area In the winter rye example given earlier, more than 4,000 sq. ft. of the 6,500 sq. ft. of root surface area comes from root hairs Epidermis functions in the uptake of water and minerals Large surface area facilitates uptake

16. Comprised of large undifferentiated cells Functions in the storage of food reserves (proteins and starches) in root tissues Cortex Epidermis Cortex Endodermis Pericycle Vascular System Phloem Cambium Xylem

17. Endodermis Single layer of cells outside vascular system Spaces between the cells are covered with a waxy layer, called suberin Similar to grout between ceramic tiles, and serves a similar function Epidermis Cortex Endodermis Pericycle Vascular System Phloem Cambium Xylem

18. Endodermis Blocks passage of water and dissolved nutrients into the vascular system Water, nutrients and other solutes must enter a cell, cannot go round the endodermis

19. Endodermis Endodermis functions to regulate the uptake of water and nutrients into the plant

20. Pericycle A thin layer of undifferentiated cells A meristem tissue The source of new lateral, or secondary, roots

21. Vascular tissue The transport system

22. Vascular tissue Phloem living cells comprised of seive tube elements and companion cells Cambium a meristematic tissue supplying cells that will develop into vascular structures

23. Vascular tissue Xylem dead cells with thickened cell walls, typically larger than phloem cells functions in the transport of water and mineral nutrients

24. A long look at the root A longitudinal section through the root (from bottom to top) shows these various tissues and how they develop.

25. A long look at the root Root cap Cells are sloughed off Protects the apical meristem Apical meristem Source of cells for the root

26. A long look at the root Elongation zone Where cells elongate and differentiate Pushes the root tip through the soil Maturation zone Cells develop their final form Root hairs form, xylem cells thicken and die

27. Organ Tissue Cell Type Root Epidermis Vascular System Cortex Parenchyma Endodermis Pericycle Casparian Strip Parenchyma Epidermal Root hairs Phloem Cambium Xylem

28. Transpiration The continuum of water from soil, through the plant and into the air

29. Root modifications The organ that is consumed in many vegetable crops, such as carrot and sweet potato, is a modified root that serves as a storage tissue Other modifications for support