Modification of the root of the plant. What is the modification of the roots?

To overestimate the importance of an underground plant organ is difficult. After all, it reliably keeps in the soil even huge trees, provides them with water and a sufficient supply of nutrients. Sometimes environmental conditions require additional functions. And then there is a change in the root.

Root and its structure

By the features of the structure, several types of roots are distinguished. The main root acts as a rod. It is easy to distinguish from others. At a plant he always one. From the main root go lateral. They are necessary to increase the surface area of the soil surface in order to be able to absorb more moisture. A root system consisting of such roots is called a rod system. The roots that grow directly from the shoot (the aerial part of the plant) are called subordinate. Their bundle forms a fibrous root system.

Modifications of plant roots

The classical structure of the root system makes it possible to perform only certain functions. To survive plants in difficult conditions, a modification of the root is necessary. Let's consider each of them in more detail.

Roots

Everyone remembers the fairy tale about the top and the roots. Such a modification of the root, like root crops, is an example of tasty and juicy roots. Carrots, radishes, turnip, beets ... It is impossible to imagine one day without the presence of these healthy and delicious foods in our diet.

They are the result of a thickening of the main root of the rod system. In order to survive the cold autumn and winter and form seeds, the plant under the ground stores water with mineral substances. A person uses juicy root vegetables for food.

Root tubers

What is a modification of the root can also be considered by the example of root tubers. This is also a thickening of the roots. But not the main, but the accessory roots of the urine system. As a result, the underground beam becomes powerful and heavy due to a significant water supply. It occurs in dahlias, asparagus, cotton nuts, sweet potatoes.

An additional function of root tubers is vegetative reproduction. It is possible due to the presence of additional kidneys on these modifications, which are often called root cones.

Air Roots

The conditions of growth and modification of the roots are inextricably linked. Plants of equatorial forests grow in conditions of high humidity. Such plants do not need to extract moisture from the soil, since it is enough in the air. For example, an orchid grows directly on tree trunks, from which the air roots hang . Absorbing water directly from the air, they provide the plant with this necessary substance with the help of air (respiratory) roots. Ficus, plump, monstera - house plants, which also form air roots. For their normal development, it is necessary to have sufficient air humidification in the room.

Roots-props

The root-support is also a modification of the root. Already the name itself indicates the functions it performs. Indeed, strong accessory roots, like an artificial fastener, keep the escape. They can often be seen in the corn. The escape of this plant with fruits is quite weighty. A furry root system has rather superficial roots that are not able to retain the plant during strong gusts of wind. Here, a special adaptation is coming to the rescue-the roots-props.

Many people saw in the circus a man on stilts, but in nature on such adaptations you can find plants. Stilted roots are similar to the supports, but grow from the shoot down. In mangroves of tropical forests, they additionally perform the function of absorbing moisture from the air. Plants tidal zone, they seem to lift above the water, ensuring their normal functioning.

Root-hooks

Everyone knows ivy is capable of occupying any surface. Even a vertical rock will not be a special obstacle for him. This ability he acquired due to the presence of additional roots-trailers, able to attach to any surface.

Haustoria

In parasitic plants, the modification of the root is a haustoria or a sucker root. The beauty of Rafflesia, which has a very large flower, is incapable of photosynthesis. Therefore, it can not provide itself with organic substances. Where can I get them? Of course, in another plant. With the help of suckers, Rafflesia penetrates into the roots and stems of tropical lianas, sucking out the ready-made substances from them. Surprisingly, this plant consists only of modified roots and a giant flower.

There are also semi-parasitic plants. For example, the mistletoe is capable of photosynthesis and itself produces the necessary amount of sugars. But water and nutrients dissolved in it do not get from the soil, but from other plants with the help of sucking roots.

Mycorrhiza

Everyone knows that the poderezozovik grows under the birch, and the boletus under the aspen. But not everyone can guess why this is so. The fact is that the roots of some plants mutually beneficial cohabitate with mushrooms. From this symbiosis is good for everyone. Mushrooms receive from the tree organic substances that can not be produced independently, because they are unable to photosynthesize. And trees with the help of mushrooms are provided with water with a solution of inorganic substances.

The modification of the root helps the plant survive in conditions of deficiency or excess moisture, it is better to stay in the soil, attach to the support and remain viable for a long time, yielding a perfect harvest.

Man has long learned to use them in his activities. Roots containing a large amount of valuable vitamins and minerals are used for food. And not only in raw, but also boiled, fried and canned. Fodder varieties of beets and turnips are grown for livestock. From a special kind of a beet by processing receive sugar. But the parsley does not appreciate the bitter root, but the juicy and medicinal leaves of the shoot. So, changing, the roots benefit not only plant, but also animal organisms and humans.