Download Compare the functions of roots, stems, and leaves

Compare the
functions of roots,
stems, and leaves
S7-3-1
Roots
Roots—3 main functions
1.
Soak up water
from ground
2.
Anchor plant
to ground
3.
Store food
Roots—2 main types
Fibrous root
 Branching root system
 Spreads out underground
 Ex. Corn, trees, many weeds
Tap root

One large root

Does not spread out but
may grow deep

Ex. Dandelions, carrots,
radish
Parts of a Root

Root hairs



Cortex


Stores food
Vascular cylinder



Increase surface area
Bring in more water
Central “core”
Contains growth tissue,
phloem, xylem
Root cap

Protects root tip as it grows
through the soil
Specialized Roots


Prop Roots—above ground,
give support
Ex. rainforest tree, corn


Pneumatophores—roots
extensions reach above water to
get oxygen
Ex. mangrove
More Specialized Roots
 Buttress Roots—thick
roots (extensions of
trunk) that give support


Adventitious Roots—roots
that can sprout from
other tissues; may grow
a new plant forma
clipping
Ex. ivy, philodendron
Even More Specialized Roots
 Contractile roots— pull a plant
into the soil to the correct depth
 Ex. onion, tulip bulb
 Haustorial root—parasitic roots that dig
into another living plant’s roots to steal
water and food
 Ex. misteltoe
Not done! Specialized Roots III
 Water storage—store water
underground
 Ex. Cucurbita foetidissima—may
store 158 lbs of water!
And the final & biggest specialized use of plant roots . . .
FOOD STORAGE! All plants store food in
their roots, but these plants go overboard!
Specialized Roots—Food storage
Turnip
Rutabaga
Cassava
Beet
Carrot
Radish
Sweet potato
Answer each question below on a
separate sheet of paper.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
What are the 3 functions of a root?
What are the 2 main types of roots?
What tissue would you find inside the vascular
cylinder?
Why does a plant have root hairs?
What may happen if a root doesn’t have a root
cap?
Where is food stored in the root?
Name 3 examples of specialized roots.