Question

Give a suitable example of root modifications (both tap and adventitious) for storage of food?

Answer 1

Some plants undergo root modifications by changing their shape. They modify themselves as a measure to absorb and translocate water and minerals present in soil to various other parts of the plant.

Complete answer:
Three types of root systems are found in plants namely,
Taproot system: In this root system, there is a primary root known as tap root which grows at a faster pace than the other branch roots.
-Fibrous root system: In this type of root system, the size of all the roots is approximately the same.
-Adventitious root system: These include the roots arising from any other part of the plant except the basal roots.
Modification of tap root occurs in order to store food. In this type of modification, the tap roots are modified into swollen roots that are fleshy in appearance. Examples include: carrot displays conical type of modification in tap roots and radish displays fusiform type of modification in tap roots. Adventitious roots also modifies the storage of food particles. Examples include: Dahlia is a modified fasciculated root. However, Sweet potato is modified into a tuberous root.

Note: Grasses are characterized by the presence of fibrous root systems. These types of root systems are often shallower than the other root systems say, tap root system. Several gymnosperms and eudicots are the representatives of tap root systems. Modification of these root systems takes place for respiration, storage of food and to provide support. Furthermore, root systems are also modified to perform various mechanical and physiological functions.