Root Hairs The 'Gills' of Roots

About this book

Covers the occurrence, life history, cytology, anatomy, morphology, and physiology of root hairs, and also analyses the critical role of root hairs in the development of nodules - both rhizobial and actinorrhizal - in the process of symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

Contents

Occurrence and nature of root hairs in higher plants: vascular plants without roothairs; aerial roots and root hairs; number and size; surface area; life span. Structure of root hairs: morphological structure of root hair; cytology and ultrastructure of root hair; cell wall of root hair; cutical in root hair. Origin and development of root hair: ontogeny of root hair; factors influencing development, differentiation and density of root hairs; genetic control of root hair development; biotechnology with root hair. Physiological functions of root hairs - earlier theories: role of root hair in water and mineral uptake; role of root hair in nodule formation; root hair and mycorrhiza; root hair and root parasitism; root hair and infection by mematoses and pathogens; other functions of root hair. Root hairs as 'respiratory gills' - evidences: root respiration; root hair as an entry point for oxygen diffusion; evidences disfavouring water and mineral uptake as the main functions of root hair; evidences in support of the respiratory role as the chief function of root hair; additional experimental evidences. Implications of the respiratory role of root hairs in agriculture and forestry: contribution of root hairs to CO2 evolution; CO2-O2 relationship and their effect on root hair respiration, plant growth and yields; plant responses and soil anaerobiosis; root hair management for higher yields.

Customer Reviews