Question

The essential functions of roots are anchorage and absorption of water and minerals in the terrestrial plant.

(a) What functions are associated with the roots of aquatic plants?

(b) How are roots of aquatic plants and terrestrial plants different?

Answer 1

1) Functions of roots of aquatic plants

The roots of aquatic plants generally perform the following functions:

* Floating and balancing

* Anchorage in fixed aquatic plants

Floating and balancing

Roots of some plants store air in parenchymatous tissues (known as aerenchyma) which help them in floating and maintaining balancing. For example, Pistia.

Anchorage in fixed aquatic plants

In submerged rooted plants, roots play a major role in anchorage. For example, some water lilies.

2) Root system

In aquatic plants, the roots are not well-developed with fewer root hairs and some exist in thread-like forms whereas terrestrial plants have a well developed, highly branched root system with root hairs.

Vascular bundles

In aquatic plants, the vascular bundles are not well developed whereas in terrestrial plants, vascular bundles are well developed.

Functions

In aquatic plants, the main functions of roots are to provide buoyancy and anchorage to the fixed submerged plants. However, the roots of terrestrial plants help in absorption of water and minerals from the soil as well as providing strength and mechanical support.

Support.

Criteria	Aquatic plants	Terrestrial plants
Root system	Not well-developed, some are in thread-like form	Well-developed, highly branched and abundant root hairs
Vascular bundles	Vascular bundles are not well-developed	Presence of well-developed vascular bundles
Functions	* Floating and balancing of the plant. * Anchorage in fixed aquatic plants	* Anchorage and mechanical support to the plant. * Absorption of water and minerals from the soil.