Page 62 - ICSE Science 3 : E-book

Taproot is the single main root that grows straight
downwards from the lower end of the stem below

the ground. Several smaller roots grow from the
taproot. Plants such as bean, mustard and carrot

have taproots.

Fibrous root comprises of a number of roots that
grow from the lower end of the stem below the

ground. These roots look like a mass of fi bres that
taproot f ibrous root
grow in all directions. Plants like grass, wheat and
Types of root
onion have f ibrous roots.

Functions of the root

• It f ixes the plant f irmly in the soil. Did You Know!

• It also holds the soil together. Banyan tree has a root
system that grows under
• It absorbs water and minerals from the soil and the ground. But it also has
passes them to the other plant parts. roots that arise from its
branches and grow down
• Some roots like carrot, radish and turnip store
towards the
food prepared by the plants. We eat roots of such ground.
plants.

carrot turnip radish

Examples of roots that store food in them

Stem

The stem is the main part of the shoot system. It grows
above the ground and supports the upper parts of a plant.

Plants have diff erent kinds of stems. They may be strong

or weak. For example, trees have a hard, strong and woody
trunk
stem called trunk. Shrubs have several thin woody stems,
and herbs have several soft and thin stems. Climbers and

creepers have soft and weak stem. Stem of a tree

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