Skip to main content
Print this chapterPrint this chapter

Part 2: Botanical terminology

8. Parts of a root

Roots make up the majority of the bulk of a plant and are every bit as important as the portion of a plant that can be seen above the soil surface.

Plant roots perform several functions: anchoring, taking in water and nutrients, storage of energy.

a root growing down into the earth to extract water and nutrients

There are two main plant root systems

A taproot is a large, central root, typically tapered and growing directly downwards, from which other roots sprout laterally

A large central root with shorter sprouts attached

Tap root
/ Public domain

A fibrous root system is usually formed by thin, moderately branching roots growing directly from the stem.

Fibrous root system without an obvious central root.

Fibrous root
/

Activity

Why do some plants have a tap root system and some plants have a fibrous root system? What function do root hairs perform? Find out more at Roots | Biology for Majors II(lumenlearning.com)