22. The essential functions of roots are anchorage and absorption of water and minerals in the terrestrial plant. What functions are associated with the roots of aquatic plants. How areroots of aquatic plants and terrestrial plants different?

 


Usually the terrestrial roots show a branched network that helps in anchorage and absorption of water and minerals from soil to the plant.
While in aquatic plants, roots show modifications and deviation from their normal function. e.g., in plants like Trapa, Tinospora the roots are green and highly branched to increase the photosynthetic area, whereas in plants like Jussiaea. They get inflated due to air project out of water so to help the plant in floating and exchange of gases.
Difference between roots of aquatic plants and terrestrial plants are as

Aquatic Plants

 Terrestrial Plants

Roots may be absent, e.g., Wolffia. If roots are present they are not well
developed. Usually thin adventitious
roots are present.

Vascular strands are poorly developed.

Modified to carry out photosynthesis
food storage and exchange of gases.

Rootsare well developed with root cap
and root hairs and branches.

Vascular bundles are well developed.

Provide anchorage and help in absorption of nutrients from soil.