Root tip

Root tip [ Botany ]

Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names

The root tip is the apical growing part of a root.

Roots originate from the radicle of the embryo during the germination of the seed and growth mainly at their tip for the activity of the root apical meristem.
The growing part of a root tip is divided into four regions:

1. Root cap – A cap of cells that protects the apical meristem behind it from abrasion and damage as the root tip grows through the soil.
2. Region of cell division - The growing point (meristem) a region of rapid mitosis, which produces the new cells for root growth.
3. Region of elongation: The zone where cells increase and elongate in size in the direction of the axis of the root. It is at this time that they are sensitive to gravity and respond with gravitropism.
4. Region of maturation (or differentiation): the zone where develop the differentiated tissues of the root. Here are located the root hairs which greatly increase the surface area available for the uptake of water from the soil.

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