The types of root changes that exist in nature are known to all. Their examples are the roots of carrots and beets, radishes and radishes. But such metamorphoses are also found in exotic orchids, and in the giant rafflesia, which is a well-known parasite.
Types of root change: biology reveals secrets
The root is an underground plant organ that performs vital functions in the body. This is primarily the fixing of the plant in the soil and the absorption and conduction of water with nutrients. But in some plants, this organ is significantly modified anatomically and functionally. In this case, it plays a slightly different role in the plant.
Root crops
Types of changes in plant roots are primarily represented by root crops. They have been used as food for a long time because they are rich in vitamins and minerals. Parsley, parsnips, sugar beets, rutabagas, turnips… These plants are a storehouse of nutrients. And the thing is that their main root thickens, being a storage reservoir. Root vegetables are usually biennial plants. ATThe first year they do not produce seeds. And they have to endure autumn and winter to reach the required level of development. Already in the second year, after flowering, seeds are formed in the fruits, with the help of which the generative reproduction of these plants takes place.
Root tubers
Kinds of root change that are lateral and adnexal have dahlia, ranunculus and clivia. They perform the same function - they store the necessary substances. In addition, they are involved in vegetative reproduction. In the scientific literature, you can often find another name for them - root cones. At Jerusalem artichoke, or earthen pear, they are eaten. Their root cones contain mineral s alts, vitamins, carbohydrates and pectins. But the most valuable substance is inulin. It is necessary for people who suffer from a severe disease of the endocrine system - diabetes mellitus.
Unusual modifications
Types of root changes, which are not so common in nature, are quite functional. Remember how ivy can easily curl even on the most vertical surface. This is due to the presence of clinging roots. And tropical orchids do not need soil at all. They are able to absorb moisture directly from the atmosphere. This happens due to the presence of aerial roots. Plants with massive shoots are helped to maintain balance by another type of modification. These are stilted roots. Prominent examples of such plants are corn and pandanus.
And in giant rootsroots-props of tropical animals, you can easily build real dwellings. For example, in a banyan ficus, they hang directly from a lush crown from a height of several meters. Sucker roots are used by parasitic plants. With their help, water is sucked out of another organism.
The types of root changes that we examined in our article serve to perform additional functions. This is a supply of substances, vegetative propagation, support and gas exchange.
