Kantojärjestelmä

Kantojärjestelmä refers to the root system of a plant. It is the underground part of a vascular plant, which anchors it in the soil, absorbs water and inorganic nutrients, and stores food reserves. The primary root, emerging from the radicle of the seed, is the first root to grow. In most plants, the primary root is a taproot, which grows vertically downward and gives rise to lateral roots. In some plants, such as grasses, the primary root is ephemeral and is replaced by a fibrous root system, which consists of a dense network of fine roots.

The structure of the root system is highly variable and depends on the species of plant, the soil conditions, and environmental factors. For example, plants growing in arid regions often have deep taproots to reach groundwater, while plants growing in waterlogged soils may have shallow, adventitious roots that are adapted to low oxygen levels. The root system also plays a role in vegetative reproduction, as some plants can regenerate a new plant from a piece of root. The function of the root system is crucial for plant survival and growth, and its development is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.