![Structure of a root. The apical meristem is an area of actively dividing cells that forms all the &elipsis; [Credit: © Merriam-Webster Inc.]](http://images.bookrags.com/images/eb/72219.gif)
Structure of a root. The apical meristem is an area of actively dividing cells that forms all the &elipsis; [Credit: © Merriam-Webster Inc.]In botany, the underground anchoring part of a plant. It grows downward in response to gravity, absorbs water and dissolved minerals, and stores reserve food. Primary root systems have a deep sturdy taproot (in
gymnosperms and dicots; &see;
cotyledon) plus secondary or lateral smaller roots, and root hairs.
Grasses and other monocots produce a shallow diffuse mass of fibrous secondary roots. Additional support (e.g., in corn and orchids) comes from stem offshoots called adventitious, or prop, roots. Fleshy roots that store food may be modified taproots (e.g., carrots, turnips, and beets) or modified adventitious roots (e.g. cassava). Tubers such as the potato are modified, fleshy, underground stems, or rhizomes. Aerial roots arise from the stem and either pass for some distance through the air before reaching the soil or remain hanging in the air.
This is the complete article, containing 139 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page).
View More Summaries on Root
