Name: Lord Matthew R.

Remegia Date: 11/17/2022

Course & Section: BSES-1A-M Score: ________

Laboratory Activity #4
External Morphology of Roots
Introduction
In botany, a vascular plant's root is the portion that is typically underground. The plant's anchoring,
absorption of water and dissolved minerals and their transmission to the stem, as well as the storage of
reserve foods, are its three main purposes. The key ways that the root differs from the stem are the
absence of leaf scars and buds, the presence of a root cap, and the presence of branches that grow from
internal tissue as opposed to buds.

The visual identification of plants is helped by plant shape. The molecular mechanisms governing the
preservation and diversity of plant morphologies have recently become the subject of investigations in
molecular biology.

Objectives
• Differentiate the different type of root system in plants

Methodology

Specimen: Different samples of dicot, monocot, and adventitious roots

Procedure:

1. Get a sample of a typical dicot root from the garden. Notice it branching system. Identify the
primary, secondary, and tertiary roots.
2. Examine the root system exhibited by a monocot plant. Compare it with the root system of dicot
plant.
3. Make a diagram of the taproot, fibrous, and adventitious root system.

Results:
A. Draw the root system of a dicot plant and label its parts.

(DRAWING NEXT PAGE)

 Lateral root

Primary root

Root hairs

Root tip

Plant’s name: Tomato plant

Root system: Taproot system

B. Draw the fibrous root system and adventitious root system.

Fibrous root system Adventitious root system

Plant’s name: Plant’s name:

Root system: Root system:

Questions:
1. Why are some roots called adventitious roots?
Adventitious roots are any roots that form naturally during the course of development from any
section of the plant other than the specific root tissue (radicle). In times of stress, such as floods,
nutrient scarcity, and damage, these roots can also grow.

2. Which root system is best adapted for anchorage? Why do you say so?
The tap root system is the best root system for anchorage. A tap root system is made up of a
primary root that tunnels deep underground and multiple branching roots. These roots are robust,
thick, and damage-resistant. Multiple tiny root fibers that only cling to the top few inches of soil
make up fibrous root systems.

3. Which among the root system is advantageous to the plant? Explain your answer.
The plant benefits from the root system's fibrous root systems.
Fibrous root systems are composed of several tiny, hair-like roots that gather into a dense mat
below the surface. These root systems are highly good at absorbing water and minerals and
stabilizing the plant.