Summary
Organs that anchor the plant and absorb water and minerals from the soil.
In depth
Root hairs increase surface area for absorption. Water moves through the cortex (apoplast, symplast routes) to the endodermis with Casparian strip, forcing it through cell membranes before entering the xylem. Fibrous and tap root systems.
Root tips have a cap, meristem, elongation zone and maturation zone with root hairs. Mycorrhizae and root nodules extend their function. Roots also produce hormones such as cytokinins and release exudates that shape soil microbes.
Example: aerial roots in mangroves take up oxygen.
Frequently asked questions
What is Roots?
Organs that anchor the plant and absorb water and minerals from the soil.
Which area of biology covers Roots, and how advanced is it?
Roots is one of the 56 topics in Plant Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Stems, Plant Hormones, Plant Defence Responses.
Can you give an example of Roots?
Carrots store food in tap roots.
What should I learn before Roots?
Roots is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Plant Biology that pair well with it include Plant Kingdom, Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll.
What topics are related to Roots?
The closest topics to Roots are Stems, Plant Hormones, Plant Defence Responses, Root Nodules and Symbiosis. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Roots?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Roots. To practise the whole of Plant Biology, use the Plant Biology quiz.
How is Roots different from Stems?
Roots: Organs that anchor the plant and absorb water and minerals from the soil. Stems: Organs that support leaves and flowers and carry water and sugars through the plant. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Roots step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Stems and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Plant Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.