EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGY OF ROOTS

NAME: VIÑAS, LIAN MAIRE C. COURSE/YEAR: BIO-1

TYPES OF ROOT SYSTEMS

OBJECTIVE
To differentiate the types of root systems in plants

SPECIMEN

Whole plants of young sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum), corn (Zea mays), talahib (imperata
cylindrica), santol (Sandoricum koetjape), and mango (Mangifera indica)NS

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?

They are particularly numerous on underground stems, such as rhizomes, corms, and tubers, and allow 
many plants from stem or leaf cuttings to be propagated vegetatively. They are called adventitious beca
use they contain shallow short-lived roots and can be either underground or aerial in growth.

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

The best root system adapted for anchorage is the tap root system. A tap root system is made up of a
primary root which burrows deep underground. Such roots are dense, solid, and resistant to damage.

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

The advantage depends on the needs of the plants. When the  absorption of water and nutrients,
fibrous roots have a thicker branching system as well as more numerous roots. Plant Anchoring roots
as they anchor profoundly, Taproots anchor plants are stronger.

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 the tertiary roots. Notice the root tip and 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 a carrot and radish. Notice the enlarged portion and the other observable
plants.

RESULT
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 fascicle? A velamen?

A fascicle is a group of leaves or flowers that grow crowded together; alternatively, the term could refer 
to the vascular tissues that provide nutrients for such an organ. A multiple-layered epidermis 

is a velamen. This consists of non-living compact cells with secondary walls having lignified strips.
2. What are fleshy roots for?

Fleshy roots become food reservoirs that store surplus food during the winter or unfavorable periods 

that the plant can use when it can renew its growth. Several aerial roots are fleshy or 

semi-fleshy, acting as water storage reservoirs.

ROOT SYSTEM SPECIMEN

ADVENTITIOUS ROOTS
CORN (ZEA MAYS)

FIBROUS ROOTS

COGON GRASS (IMPERATA CYLINDRICA)

 MANGO TREE (MAGNIFERA INDICA)

TAPROOT

EXTERNAL PARTS OF ROOTS SPECIMEN

MONOCOT DICOT FLESHY ROOTS

 CORN SILVER MAPLE PLANT CARROTS

(ZEA MAYS) (ACER SACCHARNIUM) (DAUCUS CAROTA SUBSP. SATIVUS)