Root Terms

Root 1

100

A root that arises from an organ other than the root

Adventitious root

200

A root system that has no dominant primary root but is made of many primary and secondary roots of similar size. 

fibrous root system 

300

A single root initiated in the embryo within the seed

Primary root

400

A large, central, and dominant root from which lateral roots or secondary roots develop. 

Taproot

500

The area in the root tip where the cells take on specific functions. 

Zone of Cellular Maturation

Root 2

100

a type of adventitious root that grows from the stem or leaves aboveground 

Aerial Root

200

Fundamental tissue consisting of cell groups found in all parts of a plant other than dermal or vascular tissues. 

Ground tissue

300

A special layer of tissue that functions to protect the tip of a root

Root cap

400

A root system composed of one main primary root and many secondary roots branching off the primary root. 

Taproot System    

Root 3

100

The first layer of cells inside the epidermis

Cortex

200

A smaller root that grows horizontally from the primary root

Lateral root

300

A long, narrow epidermal cell that grows perpendicular to the surface of the root greatly increases the area of the root and thereby increases the absorption of water and minerals. 

Root hair.

400

The meristematic tissue that produces xylem and phloem to the other 

Vascular Cambium    

Root 4

100

Protective tissue consisting of tightly packed cells that make up the epidermis or external covering of leaves, stems, and roots.

Dermal tissue

200

A form of symbiosis in which both species benefit.

Mutualism

300

The 1 centimeter at the end of the root that consists of young tissues, including the root cap, quiescent center, and subatomic particles. 

Root tip    

400

A group of cells that make up the connective vessels of the plant. Zone of cellular division: the location of the root apical meristem in the root tip where cell division results in the primary growth of the root.

Vascular Tissue        

Root 5

100

The innermost layer of the cortex that consists of tightly fitting cells

Endodermis

200

The outermost part of the stele that borders the cortex and consists of a layer of parenchyma or sclerenchyma cells

Pericycle

300

The central part of a root or stem of vascular plants made up of the pericycle, the vascular tissue, and ground tissue, such as pith.

Stele

400

The region in the root tip where cell derived from the apical meristem increase in length.    

Zone of Cellar Elongation