BIOL 2010 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Special Functions, Germination, Cardiotoxicity
Document Summary
Learn the primary functions, structure and types of roots. Appreciate the importance of roots in human society. Learn about the factors that influence soil formation, and what constitutes a good agricultural soil. Outline: function of roots, root development, root structure, specialized roots, mycorrhizae, root nodules, human relevance of roots, soils. Function of roots: anchor plants into soil, absorption of water and minerals, store food or water, other specialized functions, root development. Aerial roots in orchids suspend the plant aboveground, they are non parasitic plants but epiphytes. Upo(cid:374) ger(cid:373)i(cid:374)atio(cid:374), e(cid:373)(cid:271)r(cid:455)o"s radi(cid:272)le gro(cid:449)s out a(cid:374)d de(cid:448)elops i(cid:374)to first root: radicle may develop into thick taproot with thinner branch roots. Root development: or, after radicle formation, adventitious roots may arise that develop into a fibrous root system. Adventitious roots do not develop from another root, but instead from a stem or leaf. Fibrous roots - large number of fine roots of similar diameter.