Roots and Their Modifications

Modified Root into Storage Food

Modification of Tap Roots

1. Storage Roots

❐ Conical : These roots have broad base tapering towards the apex, E.g. Carrot
❐ Fusiform : These roots the middle portion becomes thicker and tapers on both the ends E.g. Radish
❐ Napiform : The upper portion of these fleshy roots is inflated or swollen which tapers towards  the lower end E.g. Turnip

2. Respiration Roots

❐ Nodulated : The plants of the leguminosae family are characterised by the presence of nodules on branches of root in which nitrogen fixing bacteria are present. E.g Cicer arietinum
❐ Pnematophores : This type of root arise from underground branches of tap root, grows in upward direction(-ve geotropic) bears numerous pores (pneumathodes) E.g. Avicennia

Modification Of Adventitious Roots

1. Storage Roots

❐ Tuberous Roots : These roots become fleshy because of storing food, no definite shape E.g. Ipomoea
❐ Nodulose Roots : The apex of these roots become swollen because of the accumulation of food E.g.Turmeric
❐ Fasciculated Roots : From the base or lower nodes of stem these tuberous roots arise in group. E.g.Dahlia
❐ Moniliform Roots : This are also called beaded roots because of their bead like appearance. E.g. Momordica
❐ Annulated Roots : These thickedned roots look as if formed by a number of discs placed on above another E.g. Ipecac

2.Sopport Root

Roots in some huge trees are modified to provide additional mechanical support
❐ Prop Roots : Roots arise from horizontal arial branches. Initially, they are hygroscopic. They grow vertically downwards. Penetrate the soil, become thick and assume the shape of pillars. E.g. Ficus bangalensis
❐ Stilt Roots : In some plants roots are formed from the nodes of lowermost portion of the stem and provide mechanical support to the plant by fixing it in soil E.g. Maize, Sugarcane
❐ Climbing Roots : Originate from nodes and internodes help plant climb on surfaces E.g. Betel, Climbing fig
❐ Epiphytic Roots : Some epiphytes E.g. Orchids have ariel roots. these roots aborb moisture from atmosphere with the help of velamen tissue

3. Specialized Function

Modification Of Root Into Photosynthetic 

❐ Photosynthetic Roots : In some plants the roots develop chlorophylls, praform photosynthesis E.g. Trapa
❐ Floating Roots : These roots store air become inflated and spongy, project above the level of water, make the plant light and function as floats. E.g. Jussiaea
❐ Thorns : Roots of some plants arise from the stem and change into thorns, performing the productive function E.g. Pothos

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