Question

Prop roots are
a. Tap root
b. Adventitious root
c. Secondary root
d. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Roots are cylindrical, underground and non-green parts of the plant. It lacks nodes, leaves and buds. These roots give rise to endogenous lateral branches. It is the descending portion of the plant axis.

Complete answer:
Plants have well developed root systems. The roots and lateral branches from the root system.
There are three types of root system:
- Tap root system: Dicotyledonous plants.
- Fibrous root system: Monocotyledonous plants.
- Adventitious root system: Grass, Banyan tree and Monstera.

The roots are mainly involved in absorption of water and minerals from the soil. There are some plants which undergo modifications in their shape and structure in order to perform functions like respiration, storage and protection.
- Storage roots: In some plants the primary tap roots are modified to store food, e.g., carrot, turnip, radish and beet.
- Respiratory roots: In some plants, roots came out of the ground vertically upwards to get oxygen for respiration. These roots are called Pneumatophores, e.g., Rhizophora.
- Prop roots: These roots arise from the branches of stem for providing mechanical support to heavy branches in the form of pillars, e.g., Banyan tree.
- Stilt roots: These roots arise from the lower nodes of the stem to support the main axis and enter the soil obliquely, e.g., Sugar cane and maize.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: A secondary root is a lateral branch of the main root that derives from the primary root. Secondary roots are also used to describe an adventitious root that develops on stem or leaves.