root cap
Quick Summary
The root cap is a protective layer of parenchyma cells found at the tip of most plant roots. It covers the terminal meristem, which is the actively dividing region responsible for root growth.12
The root cap's primary function is to shield the delicate meristematic tissue as the root pushes through the soil. As cells in the root cap are worn away, new cells are generated by a specialized internal layer called the calyptrogen. This protective structure is a key characteristic that distinguishes roots from stems.32
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
rootMorphology and growth…is covered by a thimble-shaped root cap, which serves to protect the growing tip as it makes its way through the soil. Just behind the root cap lies the apical meristem, a tissue of actively dividing cells. Some of the cells produced by the apical meristem are added to the…
Read More…is covered by a thimble-shaped root cap, which serves to protect the growing tip as it makes its way through the soil. Just behind the root cap lies the apical meristem, a tissue of actively dividing cells. Some of the cells produced by the apical meristem are added to the…
Read More
angiospermRoots…living parenchyma cells called the root cap. As the cells of the root cap are destroyed and sloughed off, new parenchyma cells are added by a special internal layer of meristematic cells called the calyptrogen. Root hairs also begin to develop as simple extensions of protodermal cells near the root…
Read More…living parenchyma cells called the root cap. As the cells of the root cap are destroyed and sloughed off, new parenchyma cells are added by a special internal layer of meristematic cells called the calyptrogen. Root hairs also begin to develop as simple extensions of protodermal cells near the root…
Read More
plantLeaves and roots…of loose cells called the root cap. Just beneath the root cap is the region of cell division of the root. Epidermal outgrowths just above the root tip are root hairs that are active in water and mineral absorption. Two types of root systems are commonly distinguished, fibrous roots and…
Read More…of loose cells called the root cap. Just beneath the root cap is the region of cell division of the root. Epidermal outgrowths just above the root tip are root hairs that are active in water and mineral absorption. Two types of root systems are commonly distinguished, fibrous roots and…
Read More