Roots - Results Tables
Science Resource Description
The study of root growth is an intriguing aspect of plant biology, focusing on two fundamental questions: "How Quickly Do Roots Grow?" and "How Do Roots Work?" To investigate the rate of root growth, a systematic approach is taken by recording the root lengths of various plants—sunflower, cress, mustard, and pea—over a period of four weeks. The measurements are meticulously noted in millimetres (mm) for each week, allowing for a clear comparison of growth rates across different plant species. This data is crucial for understanding the speed at which roots develop and extend into the soil.
In addition to tracking growth over weeks, the study also measures root growth within minutes, capturing the dynamic nature of root expansion. By recording the distance in millimetres that roots cover over time intervals of one to five minutes, researchers can gain insights into the immediate workings of root systems. This information is essential for comprehending how roots function in real-time, contributing to a deeper understanding of plant physiology and the vital role roots play in anchoring plants and absorbing nutrients and water from the soil.