Functions of the Root

Today, we can witness billions of plants in our environment. Due to them, we can survive on Earth peacefully. We cannot imagine our lives without them, can we? But, do you know how plants are able to survive and grow? There are many parts in the plants just like our human body that help them in surviving. 

One of them is roots. In this article, we will tell you what the functions of roots are in great detail.

What are Roots?

Before we understand various functions of the roots it’s very important to first understand what the roots are exactly. In simple words, roots function as the warehouse of the plants. They provide anchorage for the plant and take in all the important nutrients and water that help the plant to grow. 

Now, many of you know that roots are present below the surface of the soil which is true. But, do you know that roots also grow above the ground? They are known as aerial roots which are found in epiphytes, mangroves, banyan figs, pohutukawa trees of New Zealand and many more.

Now, there is another myth that every plant has roots. But, this is not true. You won’t find roots in plants like mosses and liverworts. Biologists have recently discovered that roots also help plants fight diseases. So, as you can see, roots are extremely important in plants.

Functions of Roots

Anchorage

The word anchor means to hold something firmly in a particular position. Roots hold the soil particles tightly in one erect position due to which plants can grow taller without falling.

Absorption of Water

Absorption of water is vital in plant growth that helps in photosynthesis and other metabolic activities. The water is taken into the body of the pants via root hairs using various methods like osmosis, respiration and transpiration. If sufficient water is not provided to the plant then it will lead to the closure of stomata, leaf-wilting, turgor and much more. It will also have a negative impact on photosynthesis.

Absorption of Minerals

The absorption of minerals and absorption of water are two separate processes. Plants don’t take in minerals when they are absorbing water. The larger area of the roots takes in minerals in minor concentration from the soil. They take it in the form of inorganic ions. Minerals need to be completely dissolved in water in order for the plants to absorb them.

Prevention of Soil Erosion

The tiny hairs particles that are present on the roots help in reducing the soil erosion. Instead, roots increase soil cohesion.

Transportation

Once the root hair takes in water from the soil they send it into the xylem vessels using the process of osmosis. From there the water is transported up through the stem and finally reaches the leaves of the plants. The water finally gets utilized for photosynthesis.

Reproduction

Although roots don’t perform primarily as reproductive parts of the pants they act as vegetative reproduction. Now, what is vegetative reproduction? Great question! It is a form of asexual reproduction where the plant grows from a fragment or cutting off the parent plant. 

The reproduced plant is genetically identical to the parent plant. There is no requirement to produce a flower for reproduction. Even the mixing of male and female gametes does not take place in asexual reproduction. These plants survive well under stable conditions.

Many plants have the ability to produce themselves in this way although this process can be carried out artificially as well.

Conclusion

As you can see roots have a lot of functionalities and play a significant role in plants’ lives. Remember that not every plant has roots. Also, roots are not always present in the soil. 

They also grow above the surface of the ground. Roots help in absorbing water and essential nutrients from the soil and prevent soil erosion. They also at times serve as a reproductive part.