With reference to the root system of plants, consider the following statements: 1. In a taproot system, the main root is called the taproot and smaller roots are called lateral roots. 2. In a fibrous root system, there is one main root from which all other roots originate. 3. Roots play no role in holding the plant to the soil. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (a). Explanation Root systems in angiosperms are primarily classified into two types based on their origin and structure: the taproot system and the fibrous root system. These systems perform essential functions such as absorption of water and minerals, anchorage, and storage of food reserves. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: In a taproot system (characteristic of dicotyledonous plants like mustard), the primary root grows directly from the radicle and persists as the main central root. This main root is referred to as the taproot. Smaller roots that branch out from the taproot are termed lateral roots (secondary, tertiary, etc.). - Statement 2 is Incorrect: In a fibrous root system (characteristic of monocotyledonous plants like wheat), the primary root is short-lived and is replaced by a large number of roots. These roots originate from the base of the stem rather than forming a single main root structure. Therefore, there is no dominant main root in a fibrous system. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: One of the primary functions of the root system is to anchor the plant firmly to the soil. Roots penetrate the soil substrate, providing structural stability to the plant against wind and other forces. Key Takeaway Taproot systems feature a persistent main root with lateral branches (common in dicots), whereas fibrous root systems consist of a cluster of roots originating from the stem base (common in monocots). Both systems are critical for anchorage and absorption.

With reference to the root system of… - NCERT Class 6 Science MCQ

NCERT Class 6 Science — Chapter 3: Getting to know plants

mcqeasy

With reference to the root system of plants, consider the following statements:

In a taproot system, the main root is called the taproot and smaller roots are called lateral roots.
In a fibrous root system, there is one main root from which all other roots originate.
Roots play no role in holding the plant to the soil.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Science - class 6 · Page 57

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Root systems in angiosperms are primarily classified into two types based on their origin and structure: the taproot system and the fibrous root system. These systems perform essential functions such as absorption of water and minerals, anchorage, and storage of food reserves.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: In a taproot system (characteristic of dicotyledonous plants like mustard), the primary root grows directly from the radicle and persists as the main central root. This main root is referred to as the taproot. Smaller roots that branch out from the taproot are termed lateral roots (secondary, tertiary, etc.).
Statement 2 is Incorrect: In a fibrous root system (characteristic of monocotyledonous plants like wheat), the primary root is short-lived and is replaced by a large number of roots. These roots originate from the base of the stem rather than forming a single main root structure. Therefore, there is no dominant main root in a fibrous system.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: One of the primary functions of the root system is to anchor the plant firmly to the soil. Roots penetrate the soil substrate, providing structural stability to the plant against wind and other forces.

Key Takeaway

Taproot systems feature a persistent main root with lateral branches (common in dicots), whereas fibrous root systems consist of a cluster of roots originating from the stem base (common in monocots). Both systems are critical for anchorage and absorption.

Your note

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