100 BOOTS 



93. ROOTS 

 Object. To find out where the water enters the plant. 



Apparatus. A young plant having root hairs plainly visible, 

 very dilute eosin solution. 



Method. Place the plant in the dilute eosin solution for 

 three minutes, then wash it thoroughly in clear water. What 

 parts become colored with the eosin ? 



Conclusion. State what special part of the roots absorb. 



Note. To distinguish between root and stem in very young 

 plants place them in weak solution of potassium permanganate. 

 The roots will become stained dark brown by the solution, but 

 the stem will remain white. 



94. ROOTS 



Object. To find out whether light has any effect on the 

 growth of roots. 



Apparatus. Two sets of seedlings, soil or sawdust, a battery 

 jar, and glazed flowerpot. 



Method. Fill the two dishes with soil or sawdust and 

 plant the same number of similar seedlings in each, placing 

 them as near the sides of the dish as possible where those in 

 the battery jar will be sure to be exposed to light. 



Now put both dishes in a sunny exposure. After several 

 days remove the seedlings from both dishes and observe 

 the size and position of the roots. 



Conclusion. From this exercise what do you infer to 

 be the effect of light on health of a root and direction of its 

 growth ? 



Definition. The behavior of a plant with reference to 

 light is called heliotropism. Turning toward the light is 



