NEET 2020 Botany Question 3 Solution

Flowering plants exhibit three fundamental types of root systems based on their ontogeny and developmental origin: 1. Tap Root System: In dicots (e.g. mustard), direct elongation of the embryonic radicle forms the persistent primary root, which bears lateral roots of several orders (secondary, tertiary roots). 2. Fibrous Root System: In monocotyledonous plants (e.g. wheat, maize), the primary root is short-lived. It is quickly replaced by a large cluster of thin, thread-like roots that originate from the base of the stem. 3. Adventitious Roots: Roots that arise from any organ of the plant other than the embryonic radicle (e.g. *Monstera*, banyan tree prop roots, stilt roots of sugarcane).

- Primary roots: Direct downward continuation of the embryonic radicle. - Prop roots: Pillar-like massive adventitious roots hanging down from horizontal aerial tree branches (e.g. banyan tree) to provide columnar support. - Lateral roots: Endogenous branch roots originating from the pericycle of the primary root.