Question

What are the different parts of a typical root? Explain.

Answer 1

Roots have four regions: a root cap; a zone of division; a zone of elongation; and a zone of maturation.
Root Cap
The root cap is a cup-shaped group of cells at the tip of the root which protects the delicate cells behind the cap as it pushes through the soil. The root cap secretes mucigel, a substance that acts as a lubricant to aid in its movement. The root cap also plays a role in a plant's response to gravity.

The Zone of Cell Division
Above the root cap is the zone of division, and above that is the zone of elongation. The zone of division contains growing and dividing meristematic cells.
Three areas just above the apical meristem that continue to divide for some time
Protoderm - outermost primary meristem - produces cells which will become dermal tissue
Ground meristem - central primary meristem - produces cells which will become ground tissue
Procambium - innermost primary meristem - produces cells which will become vascular tissue

The Zone of Elongation
Cells elongate up to ten times their original length
This growth pushes the root further downward into the soil

The Zone of Maturation
In the zone of maturation, cells differentiate and serve functions such as protection, storage, and conduction.
Region of the root where completely functional cells are found.