Final answer:
The roots of a plant are responsible for anchoring it securely in the soil, as well as serving other functions such as absorbing water and nutrients and storing food. There are two main types of root systems, taproots and fibrous roots, and they can form symbiotic relationships with fungi called mycorrhizae.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of a plant that serves in anchoring it firmly in the soil is the root system. Roots perform several critical functions for a plant's survival. Firstly, they help anchor the plant to the ground so that it is not easily uprooted by environmental factors such as wind or by the actions of predators and herbivores. Furthermore, roots typically grow thicker over time, which may reduce their capacity to absorb water and minerals, but significantly enhances their ability to transport fluids, anchor the plant more securely, and store food in the form of starches.
There are two main types of root systems: taproots and fibrous roots. A taproot system consists of a main central root that grows downward with some lateral roots, while a fibrous root system forms a dense network of roots at the base of the stem. This network is typically shallower than that of a taproot system. Additionally, the roots serve as storage sites for food produced via photosynthesis, often in the form of starch, which remains protected from herbivores underground. Roots may also form symbiotic relationships with fungi, creating mycorrhizae to increase the surface area for absorption of water and nutrients from the soil.