Question

Coralloid roots are found in
A) Pea
B) Fern
C) Cycas
D) Pinus

Answer 1

Hint: The roots are divided into different types according to its structure. But the function is the same for all types of roots. Some of the roots also have the ability to fix nitrogen along with the association with nitrogen fixing bacteria.

Complete Answer:
 As we know that the root is the base of plants they provide nutrition to the plants absorbed from the soil.
- In other words, we can say that roots are the source of nutrition, food, shelter of microorganisms, and also involve the maintenance of soil integrity. However, most of the roots of plants grow under the soil but some roots like aerial roots also grow above the ground but like other roots aerial roots also show the same functions like anchoring and affixing the plant by providing support.
- The structure of the roots varies in different plants so based on that roots are classified into tap root and fibrous root. The tap root has the main central root through which lateral roots are attached, for example; in carrots, parsley, beetroot, etc. in fibrous root, they have brushy and thin root that are moderately branching roots produce from the stems, for example; rice, maize, wheat, etc.
- Another type of root we should know about is the adventitious root, such types of roots can form any non root tissue and form during both normal and in stress conditions like flooding. Some of the roots consist of cyanobacteria, both the root and the cyanobacteria show symbiotic association and involve in the nitrogen fixation process, this type of roots are named as coralloid roots.
- Now, according to the given options the coralloid roots are found in Cycas. It forms in clusters at the stem base and protrudes out over the soil. They are greenish brown in colour and consist of an algal zone in the cortex.

Hence, the correct option is ‘C’ Cycas.

Note: The pea plants composed of taproot that in the early stage are profusely branched. The fern also have taproots but some of the fern from root nodules that help them to trap the moisture and nutrients from the soil.