The internal structure of a dicot and monocot root differs in several ways:
Dicot Root:
- Epidermis: It is the outermost layer of cells that covers the entire root surface. The cells of the epidermis form root hairs that absorb water and minerals.
- Cortex: It lies below the epidermis and is composed of parenchyma cells that store food and water.
- Endodermis: It is the innermost layer of the cortex that surrounds the vascular tissue. The cells of the endodermis contain the Casparian strip, which regulates the movement of water and minerals into the vascular tissue.
- Pericycle: It is a single layer of cells that surrounds the vascular tissue and gives rise to lateral roots.
- Vascular tissue: It consists of two types of conducting tissues, the xylem, and phloem, arranged alternately in the form of vascular bundles. The xylem is located towards the center of the root and transports water and minerals, while the phloem is located towards the periphery and transports food.
Monocot Root:
- Epidermis: It is the outermost layer of cells that covers the entire root surface. The cells of the epidermis form root hairs that absorb water and minerals.
- Cortex: It lies below the epidermis and is composed of thin-walled parenchyma cells that store food and water.
- Endodermis: It is the innermost layer of the cortex that surrounds the vascular tissue. The cells of the endodermis contain the Casparian strip, which regulates the movement of water and minerals into the vascular tissue.
- Pericycle: It is a single layer of cells that surrounds the vascular tissue and gives rise to lateral roots.
- Vascular tissue: It consists of two types of conducting tissues, the xylem, and phloem, arranged alternately in the form of vascular bundles. The xylem is located towards the center of the root and transports water and minerals, while the phloem is located towards the periphery and transports food. However, in monocots, the vascular bundles are scattered throughout the cortex rather than being arranged in a ring as in dicots.
Overall, the main differences between the internal structure of a dicot and a monocot root lie in the arrangement of the vascular tissue and the organization of the cortex.
