Problem 36

Background and context

The roots play an important role in absorbing water and minerals, anchoring the plant firmly in the soil and act as a storage organ. Roots are composed of several layers:

• Epidermis – It is the outermost layer of root that provides protection to it from the external environment.
• Cortex – It is composed of loosely packed parenchyma cells and act as a storage area for starch.
• Endodermis – The root endodermis cells have the Casparian strip encircling them that regulates the water flow in the xylem.
• Pericycle – It is composed of parenchyma cells or sclerenchyma cells. It has meristematic properties as it gives rise to lateral roots which have to pass through the different layers of the root before emerging. The pericycle provides support to the root and protects the vascular tissues.
• Vascular tissues – These are located in the central part of the root and are composed of xylem and phloem with vascular cambium in between them.