Functions and Roles of Ethereum Blocks

1. Recording Transactions: Blocks contain all transactions that have occurred in the Ethereum network, ensuring the immutability of all transaction records.

2. Maintaining Network Status: Through the state root in the block header, blocks record the balance, storage, code and other status information of each account.

3. Incentivizing Miners: Miners generate new blocks through mining and receive Ether rewards and transaction fees.

4. Ensuring Security: The chain structure and proof-of-work (PoW) mechanism of the blockchain ensure the security and tamper-proofness of the network.

Changes in Ethereum 2.0

Ethereum 2.0 (also known as Eth2 or Serenity) introduces several major changes, including the shift from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS), and the introduction of shard chains. These changes are designed to improve the scalability, security and efficiency of Ethereum. The block structure and generation mechanism of Ethereum 2.0 will also be different, but their basic functions and purposes remain the same.

By understanding the composition and functions of Ethereum blocks, we can better understand the operation mechanism of the Ethereum blockchain and its important role in decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts.