Juurtesüsteemi

Juurtesüsteemi refers to the root system of a plant. It is the part of a vascular plant that is typically below ground, although it can also be aerial or semi-aquatic. The primary functions of a root system include anchoring the plant to the soil, absorbing water and inorganic nutrients, and storing food reserves. Roots also play a role in the synthesis of certain hormones and in the interaction with soil microorganisms.

Root systems can vary greatly in structure and form. Some plants have a taproot system, characterized by a single, thick main root from which smaller lateral roots emerge. Other plants possess a fibrous root system, where numerous slender roots of similar size arise from the base of the stem, forming a dense network. Adventitious roots are another type, which grow from tissues other than the root, such as stems or leaves.

The absorption of water and nutrients occurs primarily through root hairs, which are microscopic extensions of epidermal cells. These hairs significantly increase the surface area available for absorption. Water moves into the root through osmosis, and dissolved minerals are transported via various mechanisms, including active transport.

Storage roots, such as those found in carrots and potatoes, are specialized for accumulating and storing carbohydrates and other organic nutrients. These stored reserves can be used by the plant during periods of stress, for growth, or for reproduction. The development and architecture of root systems are influenced by genetic factors and environmental cues, such as gravity, water availability, and nutrient distribution in the soil.