Internal structure of the root

2.

You will:
1) investigate the internal structure of
the root.

3.

Root functions
Anchors plant to ground
Absorbs water and minerals
Stores food

Root regions
Root cap: found at the tip of
the root and protects root tips.
Zone of cell division:
meristematic tissue found here.
They continuously divide and
due to this zone roots grow in
height.
Zone of elongation: here cells
that is formed in zone of cell
division get longer as a result
root elongates too.
Zone of differentiation
(maturation): fully formed root
with vascular tissue. Root hairs
first appear here.

5.

ROOT STRUCTURE IN CROSS
SECTION
Vascular cylinder: central part of root. It
consists of vascular tissues of phloem
and xylem.
Pericycle:The outermost cell layer of the
root’s vascular tissue is the pericycle, an
area that can give rise to lateral roots.
Endodermis: just one cell layer that
surrounds pericycle. It serves as a
checkpoint for materials entering the
root’s vascular system.
Cortex: It supports root and stores
food.
Epidermis: outermost layer. Covers and
protects root.
Root hair: extension of ONE epidermis
cell. Root hairs increase surface area for
water and mineral absorption.

Internal structure of the root

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