What is the Difference Between Dicot and Monocot Roots?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between dicot and monocot roots lies in their structure and the way they grow. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Shape and Structure: Monocot roots are fibrous, meaning they form a wide network of thin roots that originate from the stem and stay close to the surface of the soil. In contrast, dicots have "taproots," meaning they form a single thick root that grows deep into the soil and has smaller, lateral branches.
- Vascular Tissues: Monocot roots have a higher number of xylem and phloem (8 to many), while dicot roots have a limited number (2 to 8). Dicot roots have angular or polygonal xylem, whereas monocot roots have round or oval xylem.
- Pith: Monocot roots have a larger and well-developed pith, while dicot roots have an absent or very small and undeveloped pith.
- Pericycle: The pericycle in monocot roots gives rise to lateral roots only, while in dicot roots, it gives rise to cork cambium, parts of the vascular cambium, and lateral roots.
- Secondary Growth: Monocot roots do not undergo secondary growth, while dicot roots can have secondary growth as a result of secondary vascular tissues and periderm.
In summary, monocot roots have a fibrous structure with a higher number of xylem and phloem, a large pith, and no secondary growth, while dicot roots have a taproot structure with fewer xylem and phloem, an absent or small pith, and the ability for secondary growth.
Comparative Table: Dicot vs Monocot Roots
The main differences between dicot and monocot roots can be summarized in the following table:
Feature | Dicot Roots | Monocot Roots |
---|---|---|
Root System | Taproot | Fibrous |
Primary Root | Single | Wide Network |
Secondary Roots | Lateral branches | Root Fibers |
Cortex Area | Narrow | Wide |
Pericycle | Cork Cambium, lateral roots | Lateral roots only |
Vascular Cambium | Present | Absent |
Xylem | Single central column | Oval vessels, xylem parenchyma |
Phloem | Close to pericycle, sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem parenchyma | Fibers absent |
Secondary Growth | Present | Absent |
Pith | Large and well-developed | No pith or collenchyma |
Dicot roots have a taproot system, with a single primary root from which secondary and tertiary roots emerge. They also have a vascular cambium, which allows for secondary growth and increases the girth of the root. Monocot roots, on the other hand, have a fibrous root system, with a wide network of thin roots originating from the stem. They lack vascular cambium and do not undergo secondary growth.
- Monocot vs Dicot Roots
- Dicot vs Monocot
- Monocot vs Dicot Leaves
- Monocot vs Dicot Stem
- Monocot vs Dicot Flowers
- Monocot vs Dicot Seeds
- Eudicots vs Monocots
- Stomata of Monocot vs Dicot Plants
- Herbaceous Monocot vs Herbaceous Dicot Stems
- Monocot vs Dicot Embryo
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- Stem vs Root
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- Tap Root vs Fibrous Root
- Root vs Shoot Apical Meristem
- Rhizoids vs Rhizomes
- Root Hair vs Stem Hair
- Epicotyl vs Hypocotyl
- Root Nodules vs Mycorrhizae