NEETBotanyMorphology of Flowering Plants
Which of the following is the defining characteristic of the root region situated immediately proximal to the region of elongation?
Options
- AThe cells are very small, thin-walled and possess dense protoplasm.
- BThe cells undergo rapid enlargement and vacuolation to increase root length.
- CThe presence of a multicellular, thimble-like structure that protects the tender apex.
- DThe cells gradually differentiate and mature, with some epidermal cells forming delicate thread-like structure
Correct answer
D. The cells gradually differentiate and mature, with some epidermal cells forming delicate thread-like structure
Step-by-step solution
The root tip is divided into four regions from apex to base: root cap, region of meristematic activity, region of elongation, and region of maturation. The region situated immediately proximal to (above) the region of elongation is the region of maturation. In this zone, cells gradually differentiate and mature. Additionally, some of the epidermal cells from this region form very fine and delicate, thread-like structures called root hairs. The cells that are small, thin-walled and have dense protoplasm belong to th