What are the differences between a root and a rhizome?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ahmed Abdullah
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Root
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the differences between roots and rhizomes, highlighting that mosses and ferns utilize rhizomes for nutrient and water absorption, while higher plants like mango trees utilize roots. Rhizomes are classified as modified stem tissues, whereas roots are distinct structures with different tissue compositions, including xylem and phloem. The conversation emphasizes the anatomical differences in plant tissues, particularly between tracheophytes and flowering plants, which have more specialized structures.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of plant anatomy
  • Familiarity with terms like xylem and phloem
  • Knowledge of plant classification, specifically tracheophytes
  • Concept of modified stem tissues
NEXT STEPS
  • Study plant anatomy focusing on root and stem structures
  • Research the functions of xylem and phloem in vascular plants
  • Explore the classification of tracheophytes and their characteristics
  • Learn about the differences between modified stems and roots in various plant species
USEFUL FOR

Botanists, horticulturists, students of plant biology, and anyone interested in understanding plant anatomy and physiology.

Ahmed Abdullah
Messages
203
Reaction score
3
Mosses and ferns have rhizome whereas a mango tree has root.
Rhizomes are used for absorbing water and nutrient from ground by mosses as higher plants use their roots. SO I don't understand why two distinct terms are used for things of similliar functions.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
A rhizome is modified stem tissue, roots are, well, roots. Their tissues are different from stems.

Have you had any plant anatomy? Once you have studied the tissues (like xylem, phloem, pericyle, etc.) it will make more sense.

Plus, tracheophytes like mosses have relatively undifferentiated tissues, compared with flowering plants. It's kinda like comparing roundworms and humans - humans have many more tissues.
 
As child, before I got my first X-ray, I used to fantasize that I might have a mirror image anatomy - my heart on the right, my appendix on the right. Why not? (Caveat: I'm not talking about sci-fi molecular-level mirroring. We're not talking starvation because I couldn't process certain proteins, etc.) I'm simpy tlakng about, when a normal zygote divides, it technically has two options which way to form. Oen would expcet a 50:50 split. But we all have our heart on the left and our...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
601
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K