Question

Napiform roots are recorded from
(a) Radish
(b) Carrot
(c) Beet
(d) Sweet potato

Answer 1

Hint: The lower end of such plants is elongated into a thread-like structure giving out small fine rootlets. It is a rich source of fibers and fructans (short-chain carbohydrate molecules). These fructans are classified as FODMAPs.

Complete answer
Napiform roots are recorded from the beet.
- Napiform roots are the modifications of taproot which become swollen and spherical at the upper end while their lower end is tapered like a thread. Some examples of napiform roots are- turnip (Brassica rapa), sugar beet.
- The napiform roots are responsible for the absorption of water and nutrients from the soil, anchoring of the body of the plant to the ground and providing support to it, storage of food and nutrients, and they are also involved in vegetative reproduction

Additional Information:
Plants are classified into three types of root systems:
- Taproot- It is the central and dominant root. It has a thick and slender root that grows straight into the soil. It further gives rise to secondary and tertiary roots. The upper growing part of the root called the meristematic zone also possesses root hairs meant for increasing the surface area of the roots to increase absorption.
- Fibrous root- It is divided into a fine tuft of branches.
- Adventitious root- It arises from the parts of the plant other than the base of the stem. It includes roots coming out from the nodes of the stem (stolon), leaves (bryophyllum), etc.

So, the correct answer is beet.

Note: The other modifications of taproot are as follows-
- Conical root: It is conical in shape. It is widest at the top and tapering steadily towards the bottom, for example, carrot.
- Fusiform root: This type of root is widest in the middle and they taper towards the top and the bottom, for example, radish.