Root
/rut/
Definition
Root refers to the plant organ, usually below ground, that anchors the plant and absorbs water and dissolved minerals from the soil. Unlike stems, roots typically lack nodes, leaves, and buds. Many also store food reserves and transport water and nutrients upward. Root systems may be fibrous, with many fine branches, or taprooted, with one main central root and smaller side roots.
Function in Plants
- Water and mineral uptake: A root absorbs water and dissolved minerals from the growing medium, then supplies them to stems and leaves through the plant’s vascular tissue, the transport system that moves fluids and nutrients.
- Anchorage and stability: By spreading through soil or other substrates, a root helps hold the plant in place and improves stability against wind, rain, and surface disturbance.
- Food storage: In many species, a root stores carbohydrates and other reserves. These stored resources support new growth after dormancy and help some plants survive drought or cold periods.
- Signals and care clues: Its condition often reflects overall plant health. Healthy growth usually indicates suitable moisture and oxygen, while rot, browning, or poor branching can point to overwatering, compaction, or drainage problems.
Related Terms
Root cap
Root cap refers to the small, protective structure covering the tip of a growing root. Made of living cells, it shields…
Root hair
Root hair refers to a tiny, tubular extension of a root epidermal cell, usually found near the growing tip on young…
Taproot
Taproot refers to a main primary root that grows downward from the seedling root and is thicker and more dominant than…
Rhizome
Rhizome refers to a horizontal underground stem that grows at or just below the soil surface. Unlike a root, it has…
Radicle
Radicle refers to the embryonic root in a seed. It is the first part of the seedling to emerge during germination…