Askjagden's Guide to Biology: Roots
Roots are one of the three principal organs of plants. There are two types of roots: the fibrous roots and the taproot. Fibrous roots only appear in monocots; taproots only appear in dicots. This is one way they are different. Taproots are just one and long, while fibrous roots are many and similar.
Here's the form of a root. Roots are surrounded by dermal tissue. The most bottom part of the root is called the root cap. The root cap is composed of dermal tissue. The most outer layer of the root is called the epidermis, while the most inner layer is called the endodermis. The endodermis is also made up of dermal tissue. The layer of ground tissue is called the cortex, while the most bottom layer of ground tissue is called the apical meristem. The vascular area is called the vascular sylinder. Root hairs on the root bring a larger surface area for the root to absorb water and nutrients.
Roots' functions are to absorb water and nutrients. Plants, you see, need water for photosynthesis and nutrients for energy. Water and minerals move inside the plant through osmosis and active transport. They then moves to the vascular cylinder through help of the Casparian strip, which is a waterproof strip that surrounds all four sides of dermal tissue.
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