Lateral roots

Lateral roots are secondary roots that emerge from the primary root, or radicle, of a plant. They are a key component of the root system, providing the plant with additional stability and aiding in the absorption of water and nutrients from the soil.

Formation

Lateral roots originate from the pericycle, a layer of cells just inside the endodermis of the root. The process begins when certain pericycle cells, known as founder cells, undergo cell division. This results in the formation of a lateral root primordium, which continues to grow and eventually breaks through the outer layers of the primary root to form a new lateral root.

Function

The primary function of lateral roots is to increase the surface area of the root system, allowing the plant to absorb more water and nutrients from the soil. They also help to anchor the plant in the ground, providing additional stability. In some plants, lateral roots can also play a role in aeration, allowing oxygen to reach the root tissues.

Types of Lateral Roots

There are several types of lateral roots, including:

• Adventitious roots: These roots develop from non-root tissues, such as stems or leaves. They are common in many types of plants, including ferns and orchids.
• Taproots: These are the main root of a plant, from which lateral roots emerge. They are common in dicotyledonous plants.
• Fibrous roots: These are a network of roots that all emerge from the base of the stem. They are common in monocotyledonous plants.

See Also

• Root
• Root system
• Adventitious roots
• Taproot
• Fibrous roots