Question

Newly-formed root cells begin to form different cell types in the ________.

a. zone of elongation

b. zone of maturation

c. root meristem

d. zone of cell division

Short answer

b. zone of maturation

Step-by-step solution

Step-1 Introduction

The roots of seed plants are the underground part of the plant which plays various important functions such as: anchoring the plant by holding the soil tightly, absorbing water and essential minerals, and storing the products from photosynthesis. Some roots are modified to perform different functions such as: absorbing moisture and for gaseous exchange.

Step-2 Explanation

The root cap gets damaged easily because it is the outer part and always pushes through the soil. Continuous replacement is necessary. The root tip is divided into three regions: a zone of elongation, a zone of cell division, and a zone of maturation and differentiation. The zone that is closest to the root tip is the zone of cell division. Actively dividing cells play a major role in this region. The region where the newly formed cells increase in length is called the zone of elongation, where the root length increases. Another region is the zone of cell maturation where the newly formed root cell and the root cells begin to differentiate into specific cell types.

The zone of elongation is the region where root length increases. Zone of elongation is made up of apical meristematic tissues that leads to root elongation.

The zone of cell division is made of root meristems. The continuous cell division in this region results in root growth into the soil.

Actively dividing cells are present in the zone of cell division. Meristematic tissues are the zone of cells that divide actively and continuously.

Step-3 Final answer

Therefore, option ‘b’ is the correct answer.

At the beginning of the first root hair, the root cell starts to differentiate into new cell types.