Monocot Roots

*The organization of Monocot roots like Sugarcane is similar to that found in dicots like Ranunculus. However, tracheary elements may be absent from the center of the root.*	Transverse Section of Smilax (Cat Briar)
*Epifluorescence Image of Smilax* Root**
	Corn Root: Interface of the Stele & the Cortex-The cells with the largest Diameters are Vessel Members. Follow the Cortical Parenchyma from the top of the image to the first cells which have thick, red-stained walls. These are the Endodermis.


Cross-section of Smilax Root. The tracheary elements of the Xylem are the cells with the largest diameters. Count the number of xylem arms. The Endodermis is the densely stained, lignified layer which surrounds the Stele. Smilax Stele showing bundles of Phloem alternating with Xylem Vessel Members. The cell pattern is distorted by the extreme enlargement of the Vessel Members.	Smilax root at higher magnification. Locate the Xylem and Phloem as well as the Endodermis, Cortex and Epidermis. Smilax root showing the Stele, Endodermis, Cortex, Exodermis & Epidermis. The Exodermis has the same anatomy as the Endodermis and probably restricts water loss to the outside in older roots.
Inner Cortex and Stele of a Pineapple Root Stained with Toluidine Blue	Stele from Pineapple Root lightly Stained with Toluidine Blue
Locate the Endodermis and Xylem!
Autofluorescence Image of an Orchid Aerial Root: Locate the Velamen and the Vascular Cylinder.

Vascular Tisues in the Root of Pili Grass Stained with Toluidine Blue (Left) & Phloroglucinol (Right). Note the high degree of Lignification.