ACTIVITY #3

External and Internal Structure of a Root

INTRODUCTION

The root usually constitutes the underground part of the plant axis. Roots are
generally long and branched and are aggregated in a definite manner to form root
systems. Due to their basal position in the plant body, direct contact with the soil and
formation of root systems, roots are able to perform two important functions, namely,
anchorage and absorption. Roots anchor the plant in place. They also anchor soil
particles, hence, prevent soil erosion. Roots also absorb water and minerals from the
soil.

External Structure
There are different ways of classifying roots. For example, roots may be
classified on the basis of the origin into the following:
a. Primary root- the first root formed that is derived frs.om the embryonic root
or radicle. The radicle is the growing part of the hypocotyl.
b. Secondary roots- the roots that arises from the primary roots.
c. Tertiary roots- the roots that arises from secondary roots. Branches of the
tertiary roots may be referred to as rootlets.
d. Adventitious roots- the roots that arises from the structures other than the
hypocotyl or mature roots, such as those that arise from the stems and leaves.

Roots may also be classified according to the manner in which they are
aggregated. The two kinds of root systems are as follows:
a. Taproot system - has prominent primary root from which younger roots of
relatively small diameter arise.
b. Fibrous (diffuse) root system - primary root is lost and is replaced by numerous
adventitious roots called seminal roots arising from the base of the stem. The
seminal roots are slender in form and are more or less of equal size and
prominence.

Internal Structure
The internal structure of roots consists of several layers, each serving specific
functions for the plant:
1. Epidermis
o Outer layer of the root that serves as a protective barrier.
o Contains root hairs (tiny extensions of epidermal cells), which increase the
surface area for water and nutrient absorption.
o Function: Protection and absorption of water and minerals.
2. Cortex
o The area between the epidermis and the vascular tissue.
o Consists of parenchyma cells that store starch, water, and other nutrients.
o Function: Storage of food and water, and helping to transport water from the
epidermis to the vascular tissue.
3. Endodermis
o The innermost layer of the cortex, surrounding the vascular tissue.
o Cells in the endodermis have a special structure called the Casparian strip, which
is a waterproof barrier that controls the flow of water and minerals into the
vascular tissue.
o Function: Regulation of water and nutrient movement into the vascular system.
4. Pericycle
o A layer of cells just inside the endodermis, surrounding the vascular tissue.
o Function: Responsible for the formation of lateral (branch) roots. It also
contributes to the growth of secondary roots.
5. Vascular Tissue
o Consists of the xylem and phloem.
 Xylem: Transports water and minerals from the soil to the plant.
 Phloem: Transports sugars and other organic compounds produced by the
plant.
o Function: Water, mineral, and nutrient transport.
6. Pith (in some roots)
o A central region that may be present in some monocot roots.
o Composed of parenchyma cells and involved in storage.
o Function: Storage of food and water.

Difference between Monocot and Dicot Roots

Plants are classified as either monocot or dicot, and one way to distinguish the
plants is by examining its roots. The main differences between monocot and dicot
roots are related to their structure and growth patterns:
1. Root System
Monocot Roots: These plants have a fibrous root system. The roots emerge from
the base of the stem in many small, thin roots.
Dicot Roots: These plants have a taproot system. A single, dominant root (the
taproot) grows deeper, with smaller lateral roots branching from it.
2. Vascular Tissue Arrangement
Monocot Roots: The vascular tissue is scattered or arranged in a ring, with no clear
central structure.
Dicot Roots: The vascular tissue forms a central column, usually arranged in a star
or X pattern at the center of the root.
3. Number of Cotyledons
Monocots: Have one cotyledon in the seed.
Dicots: Have two cotyledons in the seed.
4. Root Development
Monocots: The roots develop from the base of the stem and form many fibrous
roots.
Dicots: The roots develop from the radicle (embryonic root), forming a primary
taproot.
Examples
Monocots: grasses, corn, lilies, tulips, onion, garlic, banana, palm tree, orchids
Dicots: roses, beans, sunflowers, tomatoes, carrots, squash, watermelon, peppers

Objectives:
1. To examine and compare the external and internal structure of dicot and
monocot roots.
2. To understand the relationship between root structure and the functions of the
root must perform.

Materials Needed:
1. Plastic container
2. Tissue paper
3. Rice grains/Corn seeds or any monocot seeds you may find at home
4. Radish seeds/Mongo seeds or any dicot seeds you may find at home
(Note: Use only one representative plant for each monocot and dicot root)
5. Microscope
6. Prepared Slides (Monocot and Dicot root cross-section)

Procedure:
A. External Structure of the Root
1. Soak 10 to 20 seeds overnight.
2. Place the soaked grains and/or seeds in separate containers lined with
moistened tissue paper.
3. Dampen another paper towel and lay on the grains and/or seeds.
4. Cover to keep to keep the growth chamber moist.
5. Check often to assure upper towel stays damp.
6. In two-three days, the grains and/or seeds will begin to sprout.
7. Observe the root formation during the 3rd, 5th and 7th day.
8. Take picture/draw and label the different parts of the roots as observed from
the germinated grains and/or seeds during the 3rd, 5th and 7th day.
9. Identify the type of root system developed by the monocot and dicot seed used
by your group.

B. Internal Structure of the Root

1. Take the prepared slide of the monocot root and place it on the microscope
stage.
2. Start by using the lowest-power objective lens (usually 4x or 10x). This will
give you a broader field of view, making it easier to locate the root sample.
3. Once the root sample is in view, carefully adjust the focus to get a clear image.
4. After locating the root, switch to a higher-power objective lens (e.g., 40x or
100x) to observe more details of the root's internal structure.
5. Focus carefully to observe finer details of the root tissue, such as the
epidermis, cortex, endodermis, pericycle, and vascular tissues (xylem and
phloem).
6. Make sketches of what you see. Label the parts of the root including the
epidermis, cortex, endodermis, pericycle, and vascular tissues (xylem and
phloem).
7. After observing the monocot root, carefully remove the prepared slide and
replace it with the dicot root slide.
8. Repeat the observation process, following the same steps to examine the dicot
root. Pay attention to the differences between monocot and dicot root
structures
 ACTIVITY #3
ANSWER SHEET

Name: _______________________ Course, Year & Sec.: ___________

_______________________ Date Submitted: ______________

A. Draw and label the external parts of a monocot and dicot roots on the 3rd, 5th,
and 7th day.

MONOCOT ROOT DICOT ROOT

B. Draw and label the internal parts of a monocot and dicot roots viewed under the
microscope.

MONOCOT ROOT DICOT ROOT

C. Discussion questions:
1. What will happen to the primary root when the monocot seedling develops into
a mature plant?
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2. How do monocot roots (e.g., fibrous root system) differ in their structure and
function from dicot roots (e.g., taproot system)?
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3. What is the significance of the vascular tissue arrangement in monocot roots
being scattered, as opposed to the star-shaped or X-shaped arrangement in
dicot roots?
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4. What are the differences in the cortex and pith of monocot and dicot roots,
and how do these differences reflect the plants’ overall function and
environment?
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5. What is the advantage of having taproot system? Fibrous system?
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