Name: Mineral Nutrition in Plants
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 18 min 21 s
Description: Do only humans need minerals in their diet? No, even plants require different types of minerals. These minerals are grouped as macro and micro-nutrients.

Question

Describe the structure of the root.

Accepted Answer

The root is the non-green part of the plant which grows below the ground. It develops from the radicle of the seed. The following regions are distinguished in a root from the apex upwards:

Region Description

Root cap It is a thimble- or cap-like structure which covers the tender apex of the root. It protects the apex and helps to penetrate deep into the soil. The root cap secretes mucilage which helps in the absorption of water and ions.

Region Description

Region of Meristematic activity It is a few millimeters above the root cap. The cells are small, thin-walled with dense protoplasm. Cells of this region divide rapidly and add new cells lengthwise.

Region Description

Region of Elongation This zone is proximal to the region of meristematic activity.
The cells do not divide but elongate and enlarge. Hence, this region is responsible for the growth in length of a root.

Region Description

Region of Maturation This region is also sometimes known as the region of differentiation or root-hair-zone. This region is proximal to the zone of elongation. The cells of this region differentiate into permanent tissues depending on the function they have to perform.
Some epidermal cells of this region form fine delicate thread-like root hair. Root hair help in the absorption of water and minerals.

Describe the structure of the root.

Important Questions on Transport of Food and Minerals In Plants

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