BIOL 202: General Biology II

Laboratory 4: Modified Stems; Roots; Gravitropism

Prepared Slides to Be Examined in the Laboratory

Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Anthophyta (Common name: Flowering plants)
Plants with euphylls = megaphylls

1. Corn (Zea mays) root tip (Longitudinal section)

Examine the following structures:
 Root cap
 Root apical meristem or meristematic region (Zone of cell division): The cells of
the apical meristem are cuboidal in shape.
 Zone of cell elongation or elongation region: Cells in this region are elongated;
note the gradual elongation taking place.
 Zone of cell differentiation: Note the root hairs in this region.

2. Smilax mature root (Cross-section)

Typical herbaceous monocot root in cross-section
Examine the following structures:
 Epidermis
 Supportive layer below the epidermis = exodermis
 Cortex (Cortical region) formed of parenchyma cells
 Endodermis; note the Casparian Strip
 Pericycle; usually more than one layer
 Polyarch radial vascular bundle
 Pith made of parenchyma cells

3. Ranunculus mature root (Cross-section)

Typical herbaceous dicot root in cross-section
Examine the following structures:
 Exodermis with strips (Note the absence of a cuticle in roots!)
 Cortex with stored material in parenchyma cells
 Endodermis
 Pericycle
 Tetrarch radial vascular bundle
 Note the absence of a pith region. What fills the center of the root?

4. Willow (Salix nigra) root branch (Cross-section)

Herbaceous dicot root in cross-section, showing lateral roots or lateral branches
What is the origin of the lateral root?
What type of vascular bundle does this section display?
Fresh and Preserved Specimens (In the context of the laboratory report):
1. Differentiate between roots and stems.
2. Differentiate among the different types of modified stems.
3. Differentiate between fibrous and tap root systems. What is the origin of each?
4. Differentiate between root hairs and trichomes.

IT IS COMPULSORY THAT YOU BRING YOUR COURSE TEXTBOOK TO THIS

LABORATORY SESSION.