Exercise 11

EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGY OF ROOTS

TYPES OF ROOT SYSTEM

OBJECTIVE
To differentiate the types of root systems in plants
SPECIMENS
Whole plants of young sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum), corn (Zea mays), talahib
(Imperata cylindrica), santol (Sandoricum koetjape), and mango (Mangifera indica).
PROCEDURE

1. Examine the root systems exhibited by the different specimens listed above. Choose
only three specimens to represent the three major types of root system.

2. Make a diagram of the taproot, fibrous, and adventitious root system. Label the parts
completely.
 Taproot system Fibrous root system

Adventitious root system

QUESTIONS

1. Why are some roots called adventitious roots?

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2. Which root system is best adapted for anchorage? Why do you say so?

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3. Which among the root systems is most advantageous to the plant? Explain your answer.

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EXTERNAL PARTS OF A ROOT

Objective

To describe the external parts of a root

SPECIMENS

Different samples of dicot, monocot, and fleshy roots

PROCEDURE

1. Get a sample of a typical dicot root from the garden. Notice its branching system.
Identify the primary, secondary, and tertiary roots. Notice the root tip and the rootlets.

2. Study the diffused root system of a monocot plant. Observe the fibrous quality.
Compare this to the taproot system mentioned above.

3. Study the typical fleshy roots of carrots and radish. Notice the enlarged portion and the
other observable parts.

RESULTS

1. Sketch and label the primary, secondary, and tertiary roots of a typical dicot plant.
 2. Draw a fibrous root. Then sketch a fleshy root and label its parts.

Fibrous root system Fleshy root system

QUESTIONS

1. What is a dascicle? A velamen?

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2. What are fleshy roots for?

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