root mucilage is a part of a wider secrete from plant roots known as root exudate. plant roots secrete a variety of organic molecules into the surrounding soil, such as proteins, enzymes, dna, sugars and amino acids, which are the building blocks of life. this collective secretion is known as root exudate. this root exudate prevents root infection from bacteria and fungi, helps the roots to penetrate through the soil, and can create a micro-climate that is beneficial to the plant.