Question

Draw a neat labeled diagram of the taproot system.

Answer 1

Hint: The roots are positively geotropic structures of the plant that grows downwards in the soil. The roots help in absorption of water along with other minerals. They also play an important role in the nitrogen cycle, due to the bacteria present in them.

Complete answer:

The taproot is a central, dominant, and large root from where the other roots sprout in the lateral direction. Typically a taproot grows directly downward, tapering in shape, thick, and straight. In plants like carrots, radish, these taproots work as a storage organ, and due to which they are cultivated to be a vegetable.

The taproots develop through the radicle present in the seed, and then form a primary root. This primary root then branches to form secondary roots, and then on further branching tertiary roots are formed. After germination, the radicle dies in most species of plant, that results in development of the fibrous root system and it lacks the downward growth of the root.

Initially, trees start their life in the form of taproot but after a while their root system gets changed into fibrous root system. Most of the plants consisting of taproots are difficult to transplant, because their roots tend to grow rapidly, and if the taproot gets damaged then the plant could die.

Note: The taproots vary in shape. The conical shape is wide at the top and tapering at the end. The fusiform roots are wide in the middle and tapering in the bottom and top. The napiform roots have a toy top-like appearance.