Question

How are roots useful to plants? Give any two points.

Answer 1

Hint: Roots are the part of plants which help in absorbing water and provides anchorage for the plant. Plants have types of the root system- Taproot system, the fibrous root system and adventitious root system. Taproot system has a thick, straight and single root from which small roots grow out but cannot penetrate the hard soil. The fibrous root system has roots of the same length, thickness and shape which form a tuft like structure. The adventitious root system has roots that grow from the stem part of the plants which is above from the ground and then reaches down.

Complete answer:
The basic functions of the root are anchoring, storage, absorption, ecological function and they might act as reproductive parts in some of the plants.
The root system provides anchorage which not only holds the plant erect but also supports by keeping it attached to the ground.
The root system acts as storage for the plants that perform photosynthesis and stores food in the form of starch in it.
The root system absorbs the water and nutrients from the soil which helps in photosynthesis.
The root system acts as a reproductive part in plants like jasmine, grass etc.
The root system helps in preventing soil erosion and desertification.

There are special types of roots known as specialised roots which include adventitious roots, aerial roots, canopy roots, fine roots, stilt roots, storage roots, structural roots, surface roots, tuberous roots etc.

Note: Root is divided into four regions that are root cap, the meristematic region, the region of elongation and the region of maturation. The growth of roots is random but under favourable conditions they grow faster. Roots are even consumed by us for example – carrot, potato, radish and in the form of medicines too.