Modifications of Roots

Roots are modified into different forms to perform specific functions other than their normal
functions. Modification in roots is found in both tap root system and adventitious root system.

Modification in root occurs when there occurs a permanent change in the structure of the root
system. This change in structure of the tap root or the adventitious root system is for carry out
certain specific functions additional to anchorage and absorption. The change in the structure of
the roots is for adaptation to their surrounding environment.

Tap Root Modifications

Tap roots are modified in to different structures, these modified structures carry out specific
functions like food storage. Such roots are referred to as modified tap roots. They are different
types of modified tap roots like Fusiform, Napiform, Conical, Tuberous or tubercular
roots, pneumatophores.

Fusiform : Fusiform is a modified tap root. The primary root of the system is swollen at the
middle and tapers gradually at both the ends forming a spindle shaped structure. Example of
fusiform roots is radish.

Napiform : The base region of the root is swollen becoming almost spherical in shape, and then
it abruptly tapers towards the lower end, forming a tail-like structure. Example of Napiform roots
are turnip and beet.
Conical: In the conical form of root modification the roots are swollen and are broad at the base,
the apex part gradually tapers forming a con like structure like in carrot.

Tuberous or tubercular : In the case of tuberous roots, the roots are thick and fleshy. They do
not form any definite shape. Example: Sweet potato, yam.

Pneumatophores : The pneumatophore roots grow vertically up, they protrude out of water or
marshy sol like conical spikes. These roots occur in large number around the trunk of the tree.
Pneumatophore roots are many pores for breathing through which exchange of gases takes place
for respiration. Example of pneumatophores are Rhizophora.

Adventitious Root Modifications

Adventitious roots are the roots that are produced from any portion of the plant other than the radicle. The root
system may be changed to different forms for special functions like storage, mechanical support and vital
functions.

A. For Storage Of Food

Tuberous root : The adventitious roots in this are grown from the nodes of the running stem. These roots are modified
are swollen into irregular forms and are known as tuberous roots. They are produced in single number. Example: Sweet
Potato.
Fasciculate root : The tuberous roots are developed from the base of the stem in cluster.

Nodulose root : The adventitious roots in this case arise from the underground stem. Some roots that are
slender become swollen near the apex and they form nodule like structures. Example: mango-ginger.

Moniliform or Beaded roots : In this case, the roots are swollen at frequent intervals. This formation gives a
beaded or moniliform type of appearance. This form of root formations is seen in many grasses, Basella,
etc.

Annulated roots : This type of roots has ring-like swellings ina series and appears in the form of a number of discs
placed one above the other. Examples are Cephalis ipecacuanha (Ipeca).

B. For Mechanical Support

Prop roots : Here the plants have tap roots system. the horizontal branches of the stem of the plant gives rise to
aerial roots. These aerial roots hang vertically downwards. These roots on reaching the ground, they grow
and act like pillars. They provide mechanical support to the plant. Example Ficus bengalensis.

Stilt Roots : These plants have their own roots system like in screwpine. They are not strongly anchored tothe soil.
Hence, these plant develop adventitious roots from near the base of the stem. These roots grow obliquely
downwards. They act like stilt and they provide mechanical support to the plant. Example - the maize plant
produces adventitious roots form the lower nodes which also act in a similar way.

Climbing roots : This type of root system is found in climbers. Adventitious roots are developed from the nodes
and are aerial roots. These aerial roots twist and clasp the support and help in climbing. Example Betel,
Pothos, etc.

Clinging roots : This type of roots are seen in orchids. These roots arise from the stem base of the plant. They enter
crevices of the support to fix the epiphyte. They provide the plant with mechanical support.

Root buttresses : Some trees have great plant-like roots that radiate from the base of the stem of the tree. It
consists of partly root and partly stem. Example is Bombax.

C. For Vital Functions

Sucking roots or Haustoria : Cuscuta is a leafless, parasitic plant, it always grows in association with other plants.
The parasatic plant at the point of attachment with the host plant produces some knob like roots known as
haustoria which penetrate into the host plant and draws nourishment.

Epiphytic roots : are the plants like orchids that grow perched on tree branches. They attach themselves firmly to
the trunk of the tree by the aid of social roots known as climbing roots.

They also have aerial roots for absorbtion. These roots are fleshy and remain along with the clinging roots. These
roots have spongy tissues which absorb moisture from the atmosphere. They also have chlorophyll
pigment and photosynthesis takes place.

Floating roots: are found in aquatic plants. These roots develop from the nodes of the floating branches. The roots
are spongy and are colorless. These roots are present above the level of water. As these roots are spongy
and soft, they store air in them which help the plant in floating. They also help in respiration process.

Assimilatory roots : are normally non-green in color. The adventitious roots are developed from the branches of
the plant Tinospora cord folia. These branches are green in color and carry out photosynthesis, the roots
developed from this are known as assimilatory roots. The assimilatory roots are slender, long and in
hanging state.