Write a note on the regions of the root along with a diagram.

A root is the part of the plant that develops underground and helps anchor the plant firmly in the soil. It absorbs water and minerals from the soil and conducts them to the stem through the xylem of the plant. A root has different regions:

Root Cap Region

• The apical part of the root is covered by a structure called the root cap which protects the apex of the root.
• It secretes mucilage which acts as a lubricant for the root to make its way all through the soil. Mucilage also helps in the uptake of water and nutrients.
• As the root further extends into the soil, the root cap degrades and renews constantly.
• Pandanas are a plant that contains multiple root caps.

The region of Meristematic Cells or Region of Cell Division

• Meristematic cells are found just a few millimetres over the root cap. The cells in this region are thin-walled with dense protoplasm. These cells divide actively.
• The meristem at the apex consists of:

• The outermost layer is known as the Dermatogen. Its cells mature into epiblema and root cap.
• Inner to dermatogen lies the Periblem. Its cells mature into the cortex.
• The central region is called the Plerome whose cells mature into the stele.

Region of Elongation

• Enlargement of cells, allowing roots to grow lengthwise
• Length can be nearly 4-8 mm.
• It lies next to the meristematic region.
• These are newly formed cells which lose the power of division, hence, they elongate rapidly.

Region of Maturation

• In this region, the cells differentiate into various tissuesRoot hair absorbs nutrients and water from the soil.
• The zone behind the root hair known as the permanent zone produces lateral roots. It anchors the roots firmly in the soil and transport of water and nutrients upwards.
• Also, it produces lateral roots.