CH 36

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. One function of roots is:

a. absorption of dissolved sugars for use by the plant.
b. photosynthesis.
c. storage of food reserves.
d. sexual reproduction.
e. production of micronutrients.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 761 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
2. The difference between taproot and fibrous root systems is that a taproot system:
a. consists of many roots of the same size, while a fibrous root system has one main root
with lateral roots.
b. consists of one main root with lateral roots, while a fibrous root system has many roots of
the same size.
c. is characteristic of most monocots, while a fibrous root system is usually found in
eudicots.
d. can be modified for storage, while a fibrous root system cannot.
e. is considered adventitious, while a fibrous root system is not.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 762 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension
3. A taproot system originates from an enlarging:

a. adventitious root.
b. lateral root.
c. root cap.
d. root hair.
e. radicle.
ANS: E PTS: 1 REF: p. 762 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension
4. The thick layers of cells covering and protecting the delicate apical meristem is called the:
a. root cap.
b. root hairs.
c. pericycle.
d. adventitious root.
e. radicle.
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 762 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
5. Which of the following statements about root cap is FALSE?

a. It protects the delicate root apical meristem
b. It secretes lubricating polysaccharides
c. It orients the root that it grows downward
d. It loses cells during root growth.
e. It absorbs nutrients.
ANS: E PTS: 1 REF: p. 762 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 541

6. Which of the following statements is not true concerning root hairs?
a. They are tubular extensions of epidermal cells.
b. They are continually formed in the area of cell maturation.
c. They are quite numerous.
d. They greatly increase the absorptive capacity of roots.
e. They are long lived .
7. Root hairs:
a. protect the delicate cells of the apical meristem.
b. help orient the root so it will grow downward.
c. increase the capacity of roots to absorb water.
d. are sparse and extremely long.
e. are located at each node on the root.
8. Which statement concerning the root epidermis is true?

a. It does not secrete a waxy cuticle over the root hairs.
b. It consists of protective tissue several layers thick.
c. There are large intercellular spaces among the cells.
d. It comprises the bulk of the eudicot root.
e. It is the site of storage of surplus sugars produced in the leaves.
9. The bulk of an herbaceous eudicot root consists of loosely arranged parenchyma cells in the:
a. endodermis.
b. pericycle.
c. epidermis.
d. cortex.
e. periderm.
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 763 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
10. The large intercellular spaces, which are common features of the root cortex, provide:
a. a pathway for water uptake.
b. aeration of the root.
c. structural support.
d. protection.
e. Both aeration and a pathway for water uptake
11. Which layer of cells controls the movement of nutrient minerals entering the xylem in the root's
interior?
a. endodermis
b. Casparian strip
c. epidermis
d. cortex
e. periderm

12. The symplast:
a. greatly increases the surface area of the root.
b. is a waterproof band surrounding the endodermis.
c. directs the movement of water from one cell's cytoplasm to the next through
plasmodesmata.
d. secretes suberin, which waterproofs the cells.
e. allows nutrient minerals to move against their concentration gradient.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 763 | p. 765
OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
13. Minerals move from the innermost layer of the cortex into the stele via:
a. osmosis.
b. simple diffusion.
c. facilitated diffusion.
d. aquaporins.
e. active transport.
14. Which of the following statements about the pericycle is false?

a. It gives rise to branch roots.
b. It is a single layer of cells inside the endodermis.
c. It is composed of parenchyma cells.
d. Upon maturation, its cells lose their ability to divide.
e. It is involved in the formation of lateral meristems.
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 765-766 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension
15. The __________ is a single layer of parenchyma cells that give rise to muticellular lateral roots.
a. endodermis
b. periderm
c. cortex
d. vascular cambium
e. pericycle
16. The __________ is involved in forming the lateral meristems that produce secondary growth in woody
roots.
a. endodermis
b. periderm
c. cortex
d. vascular cambium
e. pericycle
17. The center of a primary eudicot root is known as the:

a. phloem.
b. symplast.
c. cortex.
d. pericycle.
e. stele.

18. Which is the correct horizontal pathway of water from the soil to the center of the root?
a. epidermis  root hair  cortex  pericycle  endodermis  xylem
b. epidermis  cortex  pericycle  endodermis  phloem  xylem
c. root hair  epidermis  cortex  endodermis  pericycle  xylem
d. root hair  cortex  endodermis  pericycle  epidermis  xylem
e. root hair  epidermis  endodermis  cortex  xylem  phloem
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 766 OBJ: Bloom's: Analysis
19. The ground tissue lacking in the primary eudicot root is:
a. pith
b. periderm
c. cortex
d. vascular cambium
e. pericycle
20. Unlike eudicot roots, the center of most monocot roots is occupied by the:
a. cortex.
b. pith.
c. phloem.
d. vascular cambium.
e. xylem.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 767 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
Figure 36-1
Use the figure to answer the corresponding question(s).
21. Refer to Figure 36-1. The endodermis is the structure labeled:

a. 3.
b. 4.
c. 5.
d. 6.
e. 7.
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 764 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

22. Refer to Figure 36-1. During the development of secondary vascular tissues, which of the following
structures does not become incorporated into the periderm?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
e. 5
23. Roots that arise from branches or vertical stems, and that are used to support a plant in an upright
position, are referred to as:
a. prop roots.
b. contractile roots.
c. pneumatophores.
d. lateral roots.
e. tap roots.
24. Prop roots are more common in:

a. annuals.
b. eudicots.
c. monocots.
d. epiphytes.
e. parasitic plants.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 767 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension
25. The tropical rainforest trees form shallow roots concentrated near the surface in a mat few centimeters
thick. These swollen bases or braces are called:
a. prop roots.
b. pneumatophores.
c. aerial roots.
d. buttress roots.
e. velamen roots.
26. Plants that are adapted to growing in flooded soils that are depleted of oxygen have:
a. aerial roots.
b. contractile roots.
c. pneumatophores.
d. prop roots.
e. buttress roots.

27. Which of the following examples demonstrates a mutualistic relationship?
a. mycorrhizae
b. rhizobia and root nodules
c. soil fungus and soil bacteria
d. mistletoe and its host
e. Both mycorrhizae and rhizobial/root nodules.
ANS: E PTS: 1 REF: p. 770 | p. 771
OBJ: Bloom's: Application
28. Plants connected by mycorrhizal fungi:

a. must be of the same species.
b. can only exchange carbon dioxide in one direction.
c. are an excellent example of a parasitic relationship.
d. compete for light.
e. exchange organic materials in both directions.
29. Rhizobia help plants meet their __________ by producing __________.

a. nitrogen; NH3
b. phosphorus; PO4
c. potassium; K2O
d. nitrogen; NO3
e. phosphorus; ATP
30. What group of organisms fixes nitrogen?

a. bacteria
b. earthworms
c. fungi
d. protozoa
e. algae
31. The formation of soil by gradually breaking rock into smaller particles by biological, chemical, and
physical processes is known as:
a. erosion.
b. inorganic synthesis.
c. cation exchange.
d. salinization.
e. weathering.
32. The two major factors that contribute to the weathering of rock are climate and:
a. inorganic minerals.
b. atmospheric carbon dioxide.
c. organisms.
d. aeration.
e. atmospheric oxygen..

33. In the establishment of rhizobia in a legume, infection threads are found in the:
a. stele.
b. cortex.
c. root hairs.
d. xylem.
e. phloem.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 771 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension
34. While working in a soil-testing laboratory, you are given a sample of a "typical" soil to analyze. Which
of the following do you correctly conclude is present in the largest amount?
a. water
b. inorganic mineral particles
c. rocks
d. air
e. organic material
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 773 OBJ: Bloom's: Application
35. Cation exchange between soil particles and root hairs is the process in which:
a. protons are exchanged for positively charged mineral ions.
b. electrons are exchanged for positively charged mineral ions.
c. protons are exchanged for negatively charged mineral ions.
d. electrons are exchanged for negatively charged mineral ions.
e. water is exchanged for positively charged mineral ions.
Figure 36-2
Use the figure to answer the corresponding question(s).
36. Refer to Figure 36-2. Absorption of positively charged mineral ions by the root is facilitated by:
a. the movement of clay particles into the root hair.
b. the movement of water into the root hair.
c. the movement of protons into the root hair.
d. the movement of protons out of the root hair.
e. the movement of Mg+ out of the root hair.
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 773 OBJ: Bloom's: Application

37. The process illustrated in Figure 36-2 is known as:
a. humus formation.
b. weathering.
c. cation exchange.
d. soil erosion.
e. salinization.
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 773 OBJ: Bloom's: Application
38. Which of the following lists soil particles in order of increasing diameter?
a. clay, sand, silt
b. clay, silt, sand
c. silt, sand, clay
d. silt, clay, sand
e. sand, silt, clay
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 773 OBJ: Bloom's: Application
39. Ideal agricultural soil is:

a. loam.
b. silt loam.
c. sandy loam.
d. clay loam.
e. sandy.
40. The partly decayed organic portion of soil is called:

a. silt.
b. clay.
c. sand.
d. humus.
e. castings.
41. Which of the following statements concerning pore spaces is false?

a. Minerals are removed from soil via leaching.
b. Water is held in the smaller pores, and air is found in the larger pores.
c. They occupy approximately 50% of a soil's volume.
d. They typically contain more carbon dioxide than found in the atmosphere.
e. Immediately after a heavy rain, most pore spaces remain filled with air.
42. The most abundant organisms in soil are:

a. earthworms.
b. fungi.
c. algae.
d. protozoa.
e. bacteria.

43. All of the following are true for soil with a low pH except:
a. aluminum is more soluble.
b. calcium phosphate becomes less soluble.
c. acidic soil can be found in Pygmy forest in California.
d. potassium is leached more readily from the soil.
e. manganese may be available in toxic concentrations.
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 775 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension
44. Which of the following statements about acid precipitation is false?

a. It can decrease soil pH.
b. It is implicated in forest decline.
c. It drops sulfuric and nitric acids on the Earth.
d. It is caused by human activities.
e. It prevents the leaching of essential cations.
45. Which of the following elements is a macronutrient in plants?

a. sodium
b. calcium
c. manganese
d. zinc
e. copper
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 775 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
46. Which of the following elements is a micronutrient in plants?

a. chlorine
b. hydrogen
c. potassium
d. calcium
e. magnesium
47. Which of the following elements is correctly matched with its major function in plants?
a. phosphorusalters membrane permeability
b. sulfuressential part of chlorophyll
c. potassiumopens and closes stomata
d. carbonmaintains turgidity of cells
e. calciuminvolved in nitrogen-fixation
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 776 OBJ: Bloom's:Comprehension
48. If a plant were grown in a nutrient solution containing all known essential elements except one, this
would be an example of:
a. agriculture.
b. mutualism.
c. weathering.
d. hydroponics.
e. salinization.
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 776 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

49. What are the three elements that are most often limiting factors for plant growth?
a. carbon, potassium, and magnesium
b. carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen
c. hydrogen, magnesium, and oxygen
d. sulfur, calcium, and nitrogen
e. nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
50. Water, wind, and ice are agents of:

a. erosion.
b. decomposition.
c. mineralization.
d. salinization.
e. soil pH.
51. Irrigation can cause salt to accumulate in the soil, a process known as:
a. erosion.
b. decomposition.
c. mineralization.
d. salinization.
e. weathering.
52. The water balance problem of plants living in salty soil is the result of:
a. water moving out of plant roots by osmosis.
b. extensive leaching.
c. a low soil pH.
d. low concentrations of micronutrients.
e. excessive run off.
SHORT ANSWER
1. Diagram and label a cross section of a primary eudicot root. Identify the function of three of the
labeled tissues.
ANS:
The diagram should resemble an amalgamation of Figs. 36-3 and 36-4. The functions of tissues to
choose from are as follows:
epidermis: absorption of water and minerals
cortex: the bulk of the cortex is involved in storage
endodermis: regulates the flow of water and minerals into xylem
pericycle: site of lateral root formation
xylem: transport of water and minerals
phloem: transport of dissolved sugars
PTS: 1 REF: p. 763-766 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

2. What would be the consequence for the plant if it lacked Casparian strips?
ANS:
Casparian strips in the endodermis block the flow of dissolved substances through the apoplast.
Consequently, in order to minerals and dissolved organic substances to cross the endodermis into the
stele, they must cross the endodermal plasma membrane by carrier-mediated transport. If a carrier
protein for a particular substance is not present, that substance will be “stalled” in the apoplast outside
the stele forever. This is beneficial to the plant because the Casparian strips thus prevent potentially
damaging molecules (e.g., certain heavy metals and toxins) from entering the xylem and transported
upward to the rest of the plant. If a plant lacked Casparian strips, no such regulation of transport
would occur, and ALL molecules and ions entering the plant through the apoplast could theoretically
be transported to all parts of the plant.
PTS: 1 REF: p. 763-765 OBJ: Bloom's: Analysis
3. Explain how you would distinguish a monocot from a eudicot by looking at the anatomy of their roots.
ANS:
A monocot root differs from a eudicot root in that a monocot root 1) has a central pith (instead of a
solid core of xylem), 2) has alternating bundles of xylem (instead of “xylem arms,”) and phloem, and
3) lacks secondary growth.
4. Identify two plant macronutrients and two micronutrients and provide a physiological role for each.
ANS:
A list of macronutrients, micronutrients, and their functions is shown in Table 36-1.
PTS: 1 REF: p. 776 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension
MODIFIED TRUE/FALSE
1. An adventitious root is a root that occurs in an unusual location.

____________________
ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 762

2. A root hair is an extension of an endodermal cell.

____________________
ANS: F, epidermal
PTS: 1 REF: p. 762 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
3. Root hair development is under the control of two genes that code for transcription factors.
____________________

4. The root cortex is composed mostly of collenchyma cells.

____________________
ANS: F, parenchyma
5. The symplast connects of the interconnected cell walls.

____________________
ANS: F, cytoplasms
PTS: 1 REF: p. 764-765 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
6. The outermost layer of the stele is the pericycle.

____________________

7. Water flowing inward through the endodermis moves next into the pericycle.
____________________

8. Lateral roots arise from cells of the cortex.

____________________
ANS: F, pericycle
9. In woody plants, the root epidermis is replaced by periderm.

____________________

10. Buttress roots help trees obtain oxygen from flooded soil.
____________________
ANS: F, Pneumatophores
11. The roots of certain epiphytes are photosynthetic.

____________________

12. The portion of a mycorrhizal fungus that penetrates the cell walls of the root cortex is called an
arbuscule.

____________________

13. The nodules found in the roots of legumes characteristically contain mycorrhizae.
____________________
ANS: F, rhizobia
14. A typical soil is composed mostly of humus.

____________________
ANS: F, inorganic minerals

15. The removal of dissolved materials from soil by percolating water is called illuviation.
____________________
ANS: F, leaching
16. An example of a micronutrient is phosphorus.

____________________
ANS: F, macronutrient
17. Hydroponics refers to the growing of plants in aerated water rather than soil.
____________________

MATCHING
Match the root tissue with its description.

a. cortex e. phloem
b. endodermis f. pith
c. epidermis g. xylem
d. pericycle
1. found in monocots but not eudicots.
2. the outermost layer of the stele
3. the specific tissue that contains Casparian strips
4. has root hairs
5. develops into vascular cambium outside the xylem arms
6. found outside the stele, its main function is storage
7. located in between the xylem arms
8. gives rise to lateral roots
9. typically contains large intercellular spaces

10. located in the center of a eudicot root
1. ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: p. 766 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

2. ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: p. 765 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
3. ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: p. 765 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
4. ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: p. 762 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
6. ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 763 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
7. ANS: E PTS: 1 REF: p. 766 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
9. ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: p. 763 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
10. ANS: G PTS: 1 REF: p. 766 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge
ESSAY
1. Differentiate between the following specialized roots:
A. prop root
B. buttress root
C. pneumatophore
D. storage root
E. photosynthetic root
ANS:
Concepts to Consider: Prop root--develops from branches or vertical stems and grows downward into
soil, helps support plant in upright position. Buttress root--holds trees upright and aids in distribution
of shallow roots. Pneumatophore--aerial "breathing" root that may help get oxygen to roots submerged
in water. Storage root--stores water or surplus sugars produced by leaves. Photosynthetic root--aerial
root that performs photosynthesis.
PTS: 1 REF: p. 761-762 | p. 767 OBJ: Bloom's: Analysis

TOP: Discussion or Thought Questions
2. Explain the process of soil formation by weathering.
ANS:
Concepts to Consider: Rocks are subject to climate and organisms. Organisms produce acids that
create fissures in rock surfaces. Water seeps in, freezes, and thaws, causing cracks to enlarge and
pieces of rock to break off. Plants root in larger cracks, further breaking the rock. Slopes also cause
soil and rock to be eroded.

3. Why are living organisms such an important component of soil?
ANS:
Concepts to Consider: Bacteria and fungi--decompose organic matter, thus releasing essential
minerals into soil. Earthworms--dig tunnels that aerate soil; deposit castings on surface of soil, thereby
bringing nutrients from deeper layers to upper layers. Ants--aerate soil through the construction of
tunnels and chambers; bring food, which decays and contributes to organic matter in soil, back to their
nests.

PTS: 1 REF: p. 774-775 OBJ: Bloom's: Analysis

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CH 36

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Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition

1. One function of roots is:

3. A taproot system originates from an enlarging:

5. Which of the following statements about root cap is FALSE?

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 541

8. Which statement concerning the root epidermis is true?

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 542

14. Which of the following statements about the pericycle is false?

17. The center of a primary eudicot root is known as the:

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 543

21. Refer to Figure 36-1. The endodermis is the structure labeled:

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 544

24. Prop roots are more common in:

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 545

28. Plants connected by mycorrhizal fungi:

29. Rhizobia help plants meet their __________ by producing __________.

30. What group of organisms fixes nitrogen?

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 546

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 547

39. Ideal agricultural soil is:

40. The partly decayed organic portion of soil is called:

41. Which of the following statements concerning pore spaces is false?

42. The most abundant organisms in soil are:

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 548

44. Which of the following statements about acid precipitation is false?

45. Which of the following elements is a macronutrient in plants?

46. Which of the following elements is a micronutrient in plants?

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 549

50. Water, wind, and ice are agents of:

PTS: 1 REF: p. 763-766 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 550

PTS: 1 REF: p. 763-765 OBJ: Bloom's: Analysis

PTS: 1 REF: p. 766-767 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

PTS: 1 REF: p. 776 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

1. An adventitious root is a root that occurs in an unusual location.

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 762

2. A root hair is an extension of an endodermal cell.

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 763

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 551

4. The root cortex is composed mostly of collenchyma cells.

5. The symplast connects of the interconnected cell walls.

6. The outermost layer of the stele is the pericycle.

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 765

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 765

8. Lateral roots arise from cells of the cortex.

9. In woody plants, the root epidermis is replaced by periderm.

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 767

11. The roots of certain epiphytes are photosynthetic.

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 767

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 552

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 770

14. A typical soil is composed mostly of humus.

ANS: F, inorganic minerals

16. An example of a micronutrient is phosphorus.

ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: p. 776

Match the root tissue with its description.

Chapter 36—Roots and Mineral Nutrition 553

1. ANS: F PTS: 1 REF: p. 766 OBJ: Bloom's: Knowledge

1. Differentiate between the following specialized roots:

PTS: 1 REF: p. 761-762 | p. 767 OBJ: Bloom's: Analysis

2. Explain the process of soil formation by weathering.

PTS: 1 REF: p. 772-773 OBJ: Bloom's: Comprehension

29. Rhizobia help plants meet their by producing .