What Is the Primary Function of the Merkle Root in a Blockchain?

The Merkle Root is the single, top-level hash of a Merkle Tree within a block. Its primary function is to act as a tamper-proof summary of all the transactions in that block.

It is included in the block header, which is then hashed to create the block's unique identifier. This inclusion ensures that any alteration to a single transaction will change the Merkle Root, thus invalidating the block's header hash.

This is crucial for maintaining the blockchain's immutability.

What Is a “Fork” in a Blockchain and How Does the Merkle Root Relate to It?
What Is the Difference between the Merkle Root and the Block Hash?
How Does the Block Header’s Hash Link One Block to the Next?
How Does the Merkle Root Secure the Blockchain’s Data Integrity?
In a Sidechain, How Is the Merkle Root Used for Inter-Chain Communication?
What Consensus Mechanism Relies Heavily on the Integrity Provided by the Merkle Root?
Where Is the Merkle Root Stored in a Blockchain Block?
In a Financial Context, How Does the Merkle Root Ensure Data Integrity?

Glossar