Unit 3, Lesson 6

Root Types, Structures, and

Functions
 Functions of the Root System
A. Normally Under the
Ground
B. Responsible for
Anchoring the Plant
C. Assists in supplying
water and nutrients by
drawing it up for the
plant.
D. Roots take up more
space in the soil than
does the top part of the
plant above ground.
 Types of Roots
• Adventitious Roots:
roots that appear
where roots are not
normally expected,
such as to help plants
climb walls or anchor
them in the wind.
 Types of Roots
• Taproot: The main roots of a
plant, generally grows
straight down from the stem.
It is a heavy, thick root that
does not have many
branches.
i. It is often used for human or
animal consumption.
ii. Taproot Even: a number of
large, equal-sized taproots.
iii. Taproot Swollen: A single,
large taproot extending from
stem
iv. Taproot Primary: A larger
than average root going
deeper into the soil.
 Types of Roots
• Fibrous Roots:
Generally thin,
somewhat hair-like,
and numerous.
– Better able to hold
within soil, giving plant
better stability
– Fibrous roots dry out
quicker, thus cannot
tolerate drought.
PSS.PP.3
 Jeopardy
Types of roots Part of a root

200 200

400
400

600 600

1000 1000

Final Jeopardy
• The type of root system
in Carrots
• Known as eel grass
this is a picture of its
root
• Known as sow thistle
this is a picture of it’s
root
• Corn Plants have this root system
• This part of the root is labeled 3 here.
• This part of the root is labeled 5 here.
• This part of the root is labeled 11 here.
• This part of the root is labeled 7 here.
• This part of the root is labeled 6 here.