Final answer:
Roots are crucial plant organs responsible for support and nutrient absorption. They come in several forms, including taproots for storage and fibrous roots for stability. The root system develops from the radicle during seed germination and grows through zones of division, elongation, and maturation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Plant Roots
Roots are vital organs of a plant, essential for anchoring it to the ground and for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. Radical, which can mean root in the context of mathematics or language, derives from Latin and has come to signify the foundational or base element of something. In botany, the term refers to the part of the plant.
There are various types of roots, including the taproots and fibrous roots. Taproots are deep-rooted, and some are specialized for food storage, such as in carrots. The root system of a plant begins to develop as soon as the seed germinates, and the embryonic root, called the radicle, grows out.
The root cap protects the growing tip of the root as it navigates through the soil. Root growth includes a zone of cell division, elongation, and maturation, with root hairs forming in the latter to increase absorption. Additionally, plants can have prop roots for extra support, and radial growth in a plant is possible through lateral meristems, which increase root and shoot girth.