root systems in plants
... mat of thin roots that spread out below the soil’s surface. Monocots such as palms and bamboo are exceptions to the generally thin roots of fibrous root systems in monocots. Dicots are a subdivision of flowering plants whose members possess two embryonic seed leaves, or cotyledons. This type of plant has a taproot system that consists of one large, vertical root and it produces many smaller lateral, or branched roots. An example of a plant with this type of root is a dandelion. The taproot system firmly anchors a plant in the soil and stores food. The ability to store food is necessary for the survival of the plant because the plant uses this stored food when it comes time to produce flowers or fruit. Due to the fact that this food is stored in the root, common foods such as carrots, turnips, and sugar beet are ripped from the ground as roots, before they flower. These taproots are also long in desert plants because their depth into the ground allows them to reach or “tap” a water supply that is located deeper into the earth. Most absorption of water and minerals in monocots and dicots occurs at the root tips. The roots have root hairs. These root hairs create a larger surface area that, in turn, allows it more space to take in an optimal amount of water and minerals. The root hairs are extensions of the individual epidermal cells on the root surface as opposed to the lateral (branch) roots that are multicellular organs. Although most root systems are f...