English
CISCEISC (Science) ISC Class 11
Question Papers17
Concept Notes & Videos164
Syllabus

Types of Root

Advertisements

Topics

  • Types of Root
  • Experiment 1
  • Experiment 2
  • Experiment 3

Types of Root:

  1. Taproot System: This system has one main root called the taproot that grows deep into the soil. The taproot has smaller roots (called lateral roots) growing from its sides. This system helps the plant reach deep water sources and provides strong support. For example, carrots, radishes, mangos, peas, etc.
  2. Fibrous Root System: This system consists of many small, thin roots that spread out in all directions from the base of the plant. These roots are shallow and cover a wide area. It helps plants absorb water quickly from the surface and also prevents soil erosion. For example, grass, wheat, rice, onion, etc.
  3. Adventitious Root System: These roots grow from parts of the plant other than the main root, such as stems or leaves. They help support the plant and are often seen in plants that grow in moist areas. Some adventitious roots help plants climb or attach to surfaces. For example, banyan tree (aerial roots), corn (prop roots), money plant (climbing roots), etc.

Experiment 1

1. Aim: To observe the growth of fibrous roots in an onion and understand the difference between taproots and fibrous roots.

2. Requirements: glass jar, water, and onion.

3. Procedure

  • Fill three-quarters of the glass jar with water.
  • Place the onion on the mouth of the jar, ensuring its roots are facing the water.
  • Leave the jar in a place where it can receive sunlight.
  • Observe the growth of the roots every day for eight days, ensuring the water level stays the same.

4. Observation: Over the next few days, threadlike roots will start growing from the base of the onion, reaching towards the water. These are fibrous roots.

5. Conclusion: This experiment shows how fibrous roots grow from the base of the onion. Fibrous roots are thin and spread out from the base of the plant, unlike taproots, which grow deep into the soil. Monocotyledonous plants, like onions, have fibrous roots, while dicotyledonous plants have taproots.

Fibrous roots 

Experiment 2

1. Aim: To observe and differentiate between taproots and fibrous roots in plants.

2. Requirements

  • Earthen pot
  • Water, Large conical flask
  • Seeds of plants like mustard, sorghum (jowar), maize (corn), pea, coriander, etc.

3. Procedure

  • Sow seeds of mustard, sorghum, maize, pea, coriander, or other plants in an earthen pot with soil.
  • Water the seeds and allow them to grow for eight days until the plants reach a height of about 15 to 20 cm.
  • Uproot the plants carefully when the soil is moist, ensuring the roots remain undamaged.
  • Gently place the uprooted plants in a large conical flask filled with water. The soil will wash off, leaving the roots visible.
  • Observe the roots to see whether they are taproots or fibrous roots.

4. Observation

  • Taproots: Plants like peas and mustard will have a single, thick primary root with smaller side roots.
  • Fibrous roots: Plants like maize and sorghum will have thin, hair-like roots growing from the base of the stem.

Conclusion: This experiment helps identify two types of root systems.

  • Taproots (seen in peas and mustard) have one main root.
  • Fibrous roots (seen in maize and sorghum) have many thin roots spreading out from the base of the plant.

Experiment 3

1. Aim: To observe how a plant absorbs water through its roots.

2. Requirements: Small glass jar, water, a plantlet (small plant with roots), 5 ml of oil, and marker

3. Procedure

  • Fill the glass jar with water and mark the water level on the jar using a marker.
  • Place the plantlet in the jar, making sure that the roots are submerged in the water.
  • Add 5 ml of oil on top of the water. The oil forms a layer on the surface, preventing evaporation.
  • Leave the setup undisturbed for one day.
  • After 24 hours, observe and record the water level again.

4. Observation: You will notice that the water level has dropped, even though the oil layer prevents evaporation. This indicates that the plantlet has absorbed water through its roots.

5. Conclusion: The experiment shows that plants absorb water through their roots. Despite the oil layer preventing evaporation, the decrease in water level indicates the plant is using the water for its growth and processes like photosynthesis.

Water level

If you would like to contribute notes or other learning material, please submit them using the button below.
Advertisements
Share
Notifications

Englishहिंदीमराठी
Login
Create free account


      Forgot password?
Course
Use app×