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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the root cap?
What is the primary function of the root cap?
- Regulates the movement of water into the vascular tissue
- Stores food for the root
- Protects the root's growing tip as it pushes through the soil (correct)
- Facilitates the transport of nutrients in the cortex
Which region of the root is responsible for the lengthening of the root?
Which region of the root is responsible for the lengthening of the root?
- Meristematic region
- Zone of Maturation
- Zone of Elongation (correct)
- Root Cap
What is the role of the endodermis in root structure?
What is the role of the endodermis in root structure?
- Protects the root from pathogens
- Facilitates root hair formation
- Stores water for drought conditions
- Regulates the movement of water and nutrients into the vascular tissue (correct)
What structure arises from the epidermis to aid in absorption?
What structure arises from the epidermis to aid in absorption?
Which layer of root tissue is primarily involved in food storage?
Which layer of root tissue is primarily involved in food storage?
What function does the pericycle serve in the root structure?
What function does the pericycle serve in the root structure?
How is the vascular bundle organized in roots?
How is the vascular bundle organized in roots?
Which function is NOT performed by the root cap?
Which function is NOT performed by the root cap?
Flashcards
Root Cap
Root Cap
A protective layer covering the root tip, enabling it to push through soil. It secretes mucilage to reduce friction.
Meristematic Region
Meristematic Region
A region of actively dividing cells located just behind the root cap. Responsible for root elongation.
Zone of Elongation
Zone of Elongation
A region above the meristematic where cells elongate, pushing the root deeper into the soil.
Zone of Maturation
Zone of Maturation
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Epidermis
Epidermis
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Cortex
Cortex
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Endodermis
Endodermis
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Pericycle
Pericycle
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Study Notes
Root Structure
- Roots are made up of distinct regions with specific roles.
- The root cap protects the growing tip, secreting mucilage to reduce soil friction.
- The meristematic region contains actively dividing cells, driving root length growth.
- The zone of elongation increases root length through cell expansion and penetration.
- The zone of maturation differentiates cells, forming root hairs for absorption.
Internal Tissues
- Epidermis: The outermost layer, providing protection and containing root hairs for water and mineral uptake.
- Cortex: A layer inside the epidermis, storing nutrients and facilitating water and nutrient transport to vascular tissues.
- Endodermis: The innermost cortex layer, regulating water and nutrient movement to the vascular cylinder via the Casparian strip.
- Pericycle: An inner layer to the endodermis that gives rise to lateral roots and contributes to secondary growth in woody roots.
- Vascular Bundle: The central core, containing xylem (water transport) and phloem (nutrient transport) in a radial pattern.
Root Structure Summary
- Root structure is organized in layers, with each region specializing in its function.
- From the outermost to inner layers, the epidermis protects the root and absorbs nutrients.
- The cortex stores and transports nutrients.
- The endodermis is the selective barrier to nutrient transfer.
- The pericycle initiates lateral roots.
- The vascular cylinder is the central core, managing water and nutrient transfer through xylem and phloem.
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