Page 1 - 2. The Root System, Modifications of roots

SAI International School
Subject- Biology, Class-VI
Topic- The Plant World

Subtopic- The Root system, Modifications of Roots
Lesson Notes
Parts of a plant :

• A plant has two main parts- The Root system and the Shoot system.
• The part of the plant that is seen above the soil is the shoot system of the plant and the part
of the plant present under the soil is the root system.
• The shoot consists of stem, branches, leaves, buds, flowers and fruits.
• The root system consists of the main root and the lateral roots.

The Root system:
• There are two types of root systems seen in plants – Tap root system and Fibrous root
system.

Types of Root Systems

Tap Root System

• Main root grows deep into the soil.
• Has smaller side branches called lateral roots.
• Common in dicot plants (e.g., pea, mango, mustard).

Fibrous Root System

• No main root; a bunch of thin roots grow from the base of the stem.
• Spread out near the soil surface.
• Common in monocot plants (e.g., grass, wheat, rice).

Differences between a tap root system and fibrous root system

Tap root system Fibrous Root system

Root develops from the radicle of the A cluster of roots develop from the base of the

seed stem
Roots persist throughout lifetime Roots are short lived

Roots grow deep into the soil Roots do not grow deep into the soil.

Occurs in dicots Occurs in monocots

Tap root has a main root from which Many roots arise as a tuft from the base of the

lateral branch roots (secondary roots stem
and tertiary roots develop)

Example Mango, gram, pea etc. Example maize, paddy, wheat etc.