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# Morphology of Flowering Plants ## 5.1.1 Regions of the Root The root is covered at the apex by a thimble-like structure called the root cap. It protects the tender apex of the root as it makes its way through the soil. A few millimeters above the root cap is the region of meristematic activity....

# Morphology of Flowering Plants ## 5.1.1 Regions of the Root The root is covered at the apex by a thimble-like structure called the root cap. It protects the tender apex of the root as it makes its way through the soil. A few millimeters above the root cap is the region of meristematic activity. The cells of this region are very small, thin-walled, and with dense cytoplasm. They divide repeatedly. The cells proximal to this region undergo rapid elongation and enlargement, and are responsible for the growth of the root in length. This region is called the region of elongation. The cells of the elongation zone gradually differentiate and mature. Thus, this zone, proximal to the region of elongation, is called the region of maturation. From this region, some of the epidermal cells form very fine and delicate, thread-like structures called root hairs. These root hairs absorb water and minerals from the soil. **Figure 5.3** The regions of the root tip # 5.1.2 Modifications of Root Roots in some plants change their shape and structure, and become modified to perform functions other than absorption and conduction of water and minerals. They are modified for support, storage of food, and respiration. - Tap roots of carrot, turnip and adventitious roots of sweet potato get swollen and store food. Can you give some more examples? - Have you ever wondered what those hanging structures that support a banyan tree are? These are called prop roots. - Similarly, the stems of maize and sugarcane have supporting roots coming out of the lower nodes of the stem. These are called stilt roots. - In some plants such as Rhizophora growing in swampy areas, many roots come out of the ground and grow vertically upwards. Such roots, called pneumatophores, help to get oxygen for respiration. **Figure 5.4** Modification of root for support Banyan tree