Lab 3 - Roots and Root Modifications

Root Tips

B. Root tips

Raphanus sativus (radish) seedlings are killed, for science.

This is not a great picture of a root cap.

Prepared slide of Ranunculus root tip are observed.

Root cap	Large, thicker-walled cells with small nuclei. (Mucilage – slimy stuff)
Apical meristem	Small, dense, darkly stained cells.
Protoderm	Outermost later of cells farther from the apical meristem.
Procambium	Central core. Denser, large-nuclei, elongate cells.
Ground meristem	Larger, small, light nuclei cells.

C. Herbaceous Roots

Ranunculus only has primary growth (close vascular system) with exarch primary xylem development.

NOTE: Pericycle has larger parenchyma cells, which the lateral roots develop in open vascular system).

D. Woody Roots

Salix prepared slide of a young and older woody root is observed.

Different stages of lateral root development in a young root.

Lateral  roots are initiated from pericycle in a young root.

Secondary growth in a root.

E. Root modifications

1. Storage - abundant perenchyma

Carrot roots are modified to store food.

Lignified cells are scatter.

2. Suppot - prop roots

Corns grow prop roots.

Prop roots arise adventitiously from the stem.

3. Photosynthesis - chlorophyllous layer

Epiphytic orchids developed chlorophyllous layer on the roots.

Slide by Yee Sing's team mate.

Velamen is formed by multiple layer of epidermis.

Parenchyma cells in the middle (may be lignified). 

NOTE: Phloem are purple in colour.

4. Overcoming Nitrogen Deficiency

- Trifolium (cover)/ Rhizibium

Trifolium (cover)/ Rhizibium symbiosis.

Tumour-like nodules on the roots of cover.

- Alnus (alder) / Frankia

This symbiosis provides fixed nitrogen to the alder and the surrounding.

Root of the alder. - Photo by Midy

- Yee Sing