New Era University

College of Arts and Sciences

BOT 11-18/NS1-18 GENERAL BOTANY (LAB)

Laboratory Exercise 8: The External Morphology of the Roots

I. Introduction

Roots are essential part of all vascular plants. This part is cable of absorbing
nutrients from the soil and anchoring it down into the ground. Roots are not in green
color and has no portion where leaves and flower buds will grow.

Kinds of Root System

1. Tap Root System has primary roots that will develop into a bigger and larger
structure. (Examples: carrot, cassava, mahogany, radish, sugar beet)

2. Fibrous/ Diffuse Root System have many roots with the same sizes. The primary
root is lost and replaced by the many adventitious roots growing from the bottom
part of the stem.

II. Identify the types of root system and write the scientific name of the following plant
species.

Common Name Scientific Name Types of Root System

1. Turnip
2. Ampalaya
3. Lagundi
4. Carrot
5. Mango
6. Peanut
7. Kalachuchi
8. Cassava
9. Ilang-ilang
10. Carabao grass
III. Write the types of modified/specialized roots of the following plant species

Common Name Scientific Name Modified Roots

1. Rubber tree
2. Garlic
3. Sundew plant
4. Makahiya
5. Amorseco
6. Sugar beet
7. Mahogany
8. Sugar cane
9. Balete
10. Corn