Dicot Root vs. Monocot Root

Both, Monocot and Dicot roots belong to plants. Monocot and Dicot differ from each other in four structures: leaves, stems, roots and flowers. The difference between dicot and monocot root is, dicot root contains xylem in the middle and phloem surrounding it. While, monocot root contains xylem and phloem in another manner, forming a circle. The monocot roots are fibrous while that of dicot is tap roots.

As we all know that plants are mainly divided into two kinds, First, flowering plants and second non-flowering plants (angiosperms or gymnosperms). Moreover, It needs to be kept mentioned that approximately 80% of all of the present green plants are flowering plants. That flowering plants are further divided into monocots and dicots.

The monocot is the plant that has just a single cotyledon in the embryo, whereas dicot is the plant that has two cotyledons from the embryo. Monocots and dicots differ from one another in four structures: leaves, stems, flowers and roots. Here we will discuss the difference between the roots of the monocot and dicot plant. In monocot roots, the pericycle present just produces the roots, whereas, in dicot roots, the pericycle gives rise to roots, cork cambium, and the component of the vascular cambium. The difference between the monocot roots and dicot roots is that the existence of xylem and phloem. moreover, In Monocot, the xylem and phloem are numerous in numbers. while, In dicot, the xylem and phloem are restricted in numbers.

Comparison Chart

Basis	Dicot Root	Monocot Root
Pericycle	In dicot roots, the pericycle gives rise to lateral roots, cork cambium, and the part of the vascular cambium.	In monocot roots, the pericycle present only produces the lateral roots.
Pith	The Pith is absent in the dicot root.	In monocot root, Pith is large and well developed.
Xylem & Phloem	In dicot roots, the xylem and phloem are limited in numbers.	In monocot roots, the xylem and phloem are numerous in numbers.
Secondary Growth	The secondary growth occurs in the dicot root.	Absent

What is Dicot Root?

Dicot root has xylem in the form of ‘X’ that is surrounded by phloem. and, it has got tap roots. In a dicot root, the amount of xylem and phloem is continuous. Vessels of xylem are angular or polygonal shape when we cut it in the transverse section. Conjunctive tissue at a dicot root is parenchymatous, which creates vascular cambium. Anatomy of the dicot root can be studied through a cross section (CS).

What is Monocot Root?

Monocot Root has xylem and phloem within an alternating manner. What’s more, it has fibrous roots. Xylem and phloem are presents numerous in number in a monocot root. The vessels of xylem are rounded or oval shape. Conjunctive tissue at a monocot root is mostly sclerenchymatous, at times it could be parenchymatous also.

Key Differences between Dicot Root and Monocot Root

In a dicot root, the number of xylem and phloem is continuous while in a monocot, they are numerous.
Pith is absent or very small at a dicot root, on the other hand, it is Big and well developed at monocot root.
Xylem vessels are curved in a monocot root whereas angular at a dicot root.
The cortex of a Monocot root is broad while that of a dicot root is narrow.
Secondary growth occurs in a dicot root but not in a monocot root.