Regions of the Root

A root is a component of a plant that grows underground and helps the plant stay securely planted in the soil. It takes water and minerals from the earth and transports them to the plant’s stem via the xylem.

Because they produce comparable organs from the pericycle, such as secondary and tertiary roots, roots are homogeneous in nature. They have a positive geotropic, hydrotropic, and phototropic axis, but they have a negative phototropic axis. They are also unable to produce their own food.

A plant’s root serves as its foundation, allowing it to thrive. It provides the plants with water and minerals, assisting in their growth and development.

Regions of roots

o Root cap region

o Region of cell division

o Region of elongation

o Region of maturation

Parts Of A Root

Each section of the root has a distinct purpose. The remaining three zones, with the exception of the root cap, are together known as the ‘region of root tip.’

The region of root cap

Root cap is a multi-cellular (more than one cell) structure that protects the root tip. The cells of the root cap are constantly dividing, resulting in a steady renewal and increase in number as the root enters the earth.

Some aquatic and parasitic plants lack a root cap, which is replaced by a more specialised structure known as a root pocket. They lack the root cap’s protective properties as well as the ability to split.

The region of cell division

A few millimetres above the root cap, it can be found. The meristematic region’s cells are typically tiny, thin-walled, and densely packed with protoplasm. Dermatogen – the outermost layer, Plerome – the intermediate layer, and Periblem – the innermost layer – are the three layers of meristematic cells.

The region of elongation

It’s right adjacent to the meristematic zone. They are unable to divide their cells.

The region of maturation

It is also known as the piliferous region because it is located adjacent to the elongation region. When the cells of the elongation zone differentiate and mature into specialised tissues like root hairs, endodermis, and cortex, they form root hairs, endodermis, and cortex.

Parts Of A Plant Root

Seminal root

A root is the first structure to form from a plant seed when it germinates. A seminal root is a root that is begun by a germinating seed.

Primary root

On some plants, the seminal root becomes the primary root, and it is the most important root in the entire root system.

Lateral roots

The primary root gradually gives way to other roots. Secondary or lateral roots are what they’re termed.

Parts Of  Root And Their Functions

Root cap region

Functions

o The root cap protects the tip of the root by covering it with a structure called the root cap.

o It produces mucilage, which acts as a lubricant to help the root move through the soil. Mucilage also aids water and nutrient absorption.

o The root cap dissolves and renews when the root penetrates deeper into the soil.

o Pandanus has a number of root caps.

Region of cell division

Functions

o Only a few millimetres above the root cap are meristematic cells. This region’s cells have thin walls and thick protoplasm. These cells are constantly dividing.

o The meristem at the apex is made up of the following:

o Dermatogen refers to the outermost layer. Epiblema and root cap develop from its cells.

o The Periblem is the innermost layer of dermatogen. The cortex develops from its cells.

o The Plerom is the central area, where cells mature into stele.

Region of elongation

Functions

o Cell expansion allows roots to develop longitudinally.

o The length might range from 4 to 8 mm.

o It’s close to the meristematic zone.

o These are recently created cells that have lost their ability to divide, causing them to elongate rapidly.

Region of maturation

Functions

o The cells develop into numerous tissues in this location.

o The soil’s nutrients and water are absorbed via root hair.

o The permanent zone, which is located behind the root hair, develops lateral roots. It firmly binds the roots in the soil while also transporting water and nutrients upwards.

o It also generates lateral roots.

Conclusion

Plants have unique organs that assist them in surviving and reproducing in a wide range of environments. Roots, stems, and leaves are the major organs of most plants.

All vascular plants have roots, which are vital organs. There are two types of roots in most vascular plants: primary roots that grow downward and secondary roots that branch out to the side. A root system is made up of all of a plant’s roots.

 Water and minerals are absorbed by roots and transported to stems. They also serve as a plant’s anchor and support, as well as a food storage container. Primary and secondary roots make up a root system. Dermal, ground, and vascular tissues make up each root.  From the primary and secondary meristem, roots grow in length and width.