Question

Differentiate between tap root and adventitious root.

Answer 1

Hint: Roots are organs of the plants that are present below the soil surface. These are very important plant organs which help in obtaining water and other essential minerals from the soil for overall development of the soil. Roots also help to give support to the plants to stand straight and firmly in the soil.

Complete answer:
The roots of the plants are of many types depending on the requirement of certain species. The different types of roots are adventitious roots, tap roots etc. These roots have the plant to build a firm support with the soil and also help the plants in transportation of water and nutrients from the soil to the plant body.
A tap root is a root with a large, central, and dominant root from which other roots arise laterally. Tap root is very thick and straight and is tapering in shape and arises from radicals that grow directing downwards and help as the main function for absorption in the plant. Carrot is an example of tap root where there is central storage root and other roots arise from it laterally. Adventitious roots are plant roots that can be produced from non-root tissue and can be produced by normal development or stress conditions. It is contrast to the tap root system it can be found underground as well as above the ground. These roots are fibrous and help in providing support to the plants.

Note: Dicots during their divisions in flowering plants start with the taproot which is formed by enlarging the radicle of the seed. Adventitious roots originate from the tap root root from radical which covers more area of the soil.