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Chapter 23: Problem 75

What is the advantage of a root cap covering the apical meristem of a root? a. It provides protection and helps in absorption. b. It increases the surface area of root for absorption of water and minerals. c. It protects meristem against injury and provides lubrication for the growing root to dig through soil. d. It protects the meristem against injury and helps in absorption.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Option c: Protects meristem against injury and provides lubrication for soil penetration.

Step by step solution

01

Read the Question Carefully

Understand what the question is asking: the advantage of a root cap covering the apical meristem of a root.
02

Understand the Role of a Root Cap

The root cap serves a protective function for the fragile apical meristem of plants.
03

Consider the Given Options

Evaluate each option to determine which best describes the primary functions of the root cap.
04

Eliminate Incorrect Options

Option a: Provides protection and helps in absorption. This is partially correct but not complete.Option b: Increases surface area for absorption. This is incorrect as root caps do not increase surface area.Option c: Protects meristem against injury and provides lubrication for digging through soil. This is fully correct.Option d: Protects meristem against injury and helps in absorption. This is partially correct but lacks the lubrication part.
05

Select the Correct Answer

Option c is the correct answer as it states that the root cap protects the meristem from injury and provides lubrication for the root to grow effectively through the soil.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

root anatomy
Roots are essential parts of a plant, playing vital roles in water and nutrient absorption, anchorage, and storage. To understand the functions of the root cap, it's helpful to know the basic structure of a root:
The root is comprised of several zones:
  • Root Cap: This protective structure covers the tip of the root, safeguarding the delicate apical meristem.
  • Apical Meristem: A region of actively dividing cells responsible for root growth.
  • Zone of Elongation: Newly formed cells elongate here, pushing the root tip further into the soil.
  • Zone of Maturation: Cells differentiate and mature in this zone, taking on their specialized roles.
Understanding these zones helps explain the function and importance of the root cap.
apical meristem protection
The apical meristem is the growth center of the root, where cells are continuously dividing to facilitate root extension. Because it is so active and critical, it is also very vulnerable to damage. This is where the root cap comes into play.
  • Role of Protection: The root cap acts as a shield, preventing physical injury to the apical meristem from soil particles and other external factors.
  • Cell Renewal: Cells in the root cap's outer layer are regularly worn away and replaced, ensuring continuous protection for the root tip.
By maintaining the integrity of the apical meristem, the root cap ensures that the root can keep growing and performing its essential functions.
root growth lubrication
Another key function of the root cap is to facilitate smoother root growth through the soil. This is achieved through the secretion of a slimy substance known as mucilage. This mucilage serves several important purposes:
  • Lubrication: It reduces friction between the root tip and the soil, making it easier for the root to penetrate the ground.
  • Soil Interaction: The mucilage helps the root interact with soil particles more effectively, aiding in better absorption of water and nutrients.
This lubrication and interaction are critical for the plant's overall health, as they contribute to efficient root growth and better access to nutrients.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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