The key difference between taproot and adventitious root is that tap root system, which has a thick deep primary root, is present in dicot plants, while adventitious root system, which has numerous small thin hair-like roots, is present in monocot plants such as grasses.
Plants have two major systems as shoot system and root system. Shoot system is responsible for the production of foods by photosynthesis while the root system is responsible for the absorption of water, nutrients and minerals from the soil. Roots are underground parts. There are two types of root systems as the taproot system and adventitious root system. Taproot system is present in dicot plants such as flowering plants, shrubs, trees, etc., while the adventitious root system is present in monocot plants such as grasses.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Taproot
3. What is an Adventitious Root
4. Similarities Between Taproot and Adventitious Root
5. Side by Side Comparison – Taproot vs Adventitious Root in Tabular Form
6. Summary
What is Taproot?
Taproot is the main thick root or the primary root of the root system of dicotyledonous plants. Taproot is thick and grows deeper into the soil vertically. Hence, dicot plants can withstand drought conditions well compared to the monocot plants. From the taproot, secondary, tertiary roots and lateral roots develop through the soil to absorb water and nutrients.
Figure 01: Taproot System
During embryonic development, taproot develops from the radicle. Most importantly, taproots are persistent.
What is an Adventitious Root?
The adventitious root system, also known as the fibrous root system, is one of the two main types of root systems. The root system has numerous hair-like roots growing near the surface of the soil. Unlike a taproot system, it does not have a thick primary root. Hence, adventitious roots are all alike.
Figure 02: Adventitious Roots
The adventitious root system is present in monocot plants. These roots develop from the stem, leaves and other parts other than the radicle. Moreover, adventitious roots are short-lived. Some adventitious roots are aerial.
What are the Similarities Between Taproot and Adventitious Root?
- Taproot and adventitious root are two types of root systems present in plants.
- The main function of both types of roots is absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.
- Also, these roots anchor the plant to the soil.
- In certain plants, both taproot and adventitious roots store foods.
- Both types are underground parts.
What is the Difference Between Taproot and Adventitious Root?
Taproot is the single thick main root of the root system of dicotyledonous plants while adventitious roots are the thin hair-like roots of the root system of monocot plants. So, this is the key difference between taproot and adventitious root. Moreover, a further difference between taproot and adventitious root is that the taproot develops from the radicle, while the adventitious roots develop from the stem, leaves and other parts other than the radicle. Furthermore, taproots are persistent, while adventitious roots are short-lived.
The below infographic summarizes more facts on the difference between taproot and adventitious root.
Summary – Taproot vs Adventitious Root
Taproot is the single thick root present in the root system of dicotyledonous plants, while adventitious roots are the thin hair-like roots present in the root system of monocotyledonous plants. So, this is the key difference between taproot and adventitious root. Moreover, the taproot is persistent, while the adventitious roots are short-lived. Besides, the taproots grow deep in the soil, while the adventitious roots grow near the surface of the soil.
Reference:
1. “Taproot.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 June 2019, Available here.
2. “Adventitious Root System: Definition and Types: Plants.” Biology Discussion, 12 Dec. 2016, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Image from page 127 of “Botany all the year round; a practical text-book for schools” (1903)” By Internet Archive Book Images (No known copyright restrictions) via Flickr
2. “Image from page 51 of “Beginners botany” (1921)” By Internet Archive Book Images) (No known copyright restrictions) via Flickr