Difference Between Dicot And Monocot Root, Key Differences
Khushboo Goyal29 May, 2025
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Difference Between Dicot and Monocot Root: Flowering plants are classified as monocots (monocotyledons) or dicots (dicotyledons). Most monocotyledons are angiosperms that have one embryonic leaf in the seed. Onions, ginger, and wheat are a few examples of monocotyledons.
Dicotyledon seeds contain two embryonic leaves. Peas, lentils, and beans are a few examples of dicotyledon. Read this article for complete details about the difference between dicot and monocot root.
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Difference Between Dicot And Monocot Root Overview
Dicot roots generally adopt a taproot system. It is characterized by a dominant primary root that undergoes secondary growth and forms a central structure. This system is common in plants like trees and shrubs. On the other hand, monocot roots have a fibrous root system. Its numerous thin roots emerge from the base and lack a dominant central root.
Difference Between Dicot And Monocot Root
Dicot and monocot roots differ in their structural features and growth patterns. The following table outlines the difference between dicot and monocot root. Each characteristic reflects the plant's environmental adaptation, from the monocots' wide cortex to the dicots' complex pericycle.
| Difference Between Dicot And Monocot Root | ||
| Basis | Dicot Root | Monocot Root |
| Cortex Area | It possesses a narrower cortex area, emphasizing structural strength. | It features a wide cortex area, providing ample storage and support. |
| Pericycle | The pericycle produces lateral roots and generates cork cambium, lateral roots, and portions of the vascular cambium. This complex differentiation supports overall root development. | The pericycle gives rise solely to lateral roots, contributing to root branching. |
| Vascular Tissues | Dicot roots have fewer xylem and phloem bundles, reflecting their adaptation to different growth patterns and environmental conditions. | Monocot roots exhibit a higher count of both xylem and phloem bundles, catering to the plant's increased nutrient and water requirements. |
| Shape of Xylem | Dicot roots showcase xylem vessels with an angular or polygonal shape, optimizing structural integrity for mechanical support. | The xylem vessels in monocot roots typically adopt a round or oval shape, facilitating efficient water transport. |
| Secondary Growth | Dicot roots undergo secondary growth, driven by the activity of vascular cambium and cork cambium. This results in the development of woody tissues, providing structural support over time. | Monocot roots lack secondary growth, maintaining a primary growth pattern. |
| Pith | Dicot roots may have a reduced or absent pith as the emphasis shifts to secondary growth and the strengthening of vascular tissues. | Monocot roots typically have a well-developed pith, contributing to storage and transport functions. |
| Number of Xylem and Phloem | Dicot roots exhibit a variable number of xylem and phloem bundles, ranging from two to eight, reflecting their diverse adaptations to environmental demands. | Monocot roots may possess more than eight xylem and phloem bundles, accommodating the plant's specific needs. |
| Cambium | Dicot roots feature a cambium layer formed from the conjunctive parenchyma, facilitating radial growth and contributing to the development of secondary vascular tissues. | Cambium is absent in monocot roots, limiting their capacity for radial growth. |
Dicot Root
The embryo of a dicot produces two cotyledons, one on each side of the seed, before germination. Animals then eat or decompose the cotyledon in the soil, which sustains the new plant when it germinates. Dicots have taproots as well as fibrous roots.
The taproot is the primary root of a dicot plant that grows straight down into the earth. Secondary roots develop horizontally out of the taproot in all directions in a dicot plant.
Each secondary root divides into additional roots, and each new root divides into more roots. These tiny branches shrink even further. A dicot plant's hair roots are extremely fine and small and can collect nutrients deep within the earth.
Monocot Root
Monocots are also known as monocotyledons. They are flowering plants with a single embryonic leaf or cotyledon. Monocot is derived from the Greek word monekotos, which means solitary seed. Monocot plants depend upon their fibrous roots to absorb nutrients and water. Monocots lack taproots or secondary roots.
Monocot plants do not have taproots or secondary roots but instead produce long, horizontal, fibrous root systems that stretch out in all directions from the heart of the plant. Monocots often have few or no root hairs.
A monocot plant's roots are loosely linked to the earth rather than by taproot or fibrous root hairs. If you pull one of the monocot roots up, many additional loose roots will emerge from the earth.
Monocots also have a wide range of aerial roots. These aerial roots may wrap around and cover other plants, causing them to grow more rapidly. Aerial roots can also pass through fences or barriers and continue to develop. Monocot plants get their nourishment and water from their fibrous root structure.
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Difference Between Dicot and Monocot Root FAQs
Is mango a dicot?
Is Tulsi a monocot or a dicot?
What are the differences between monocot roots and dicot roots?
Do dicots have two cotyledons?
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