primary root

Central underground structure

The primary root is the first root that emerges from a germinating seed, growing directly downward to anchor the plant and absorb water.

In some plants, this initial root develops into a dominant taproot; in others, it's replaced by a fibrous root system.

Also called the radicle during its earliest stage of development.

Related

germination · embryo · dicot · carrot · beet · groundwater · tap water · depth · deep roots · growth · sprout · absorption · nutrients · root system · cortex · xylem · phloem · downward

Opposites
root hierarchy/branching order

primary rootfibrous root

Thin, branching root system

root hair · rootlet

Family

prime, primer, primal, primacy, primarily, primate, primates, primeval, primitive

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Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G