Biology · Morphology of Flowering Plants · NEET
From the tip upward: (1) Root cap, (2) Region of meristematic activity, (3) Region of elongation, (4) Region of maturation. This order matters for NEET because questions often flip it. Remember the tip is protected first, then cells divide, then they stretch, then they mature and grow root hairs.
Root hairs develop from the region of maturation. In this zone the cells have finished growing and differentiated. Some epidermal cells here push out fine, thread-like root hairs that absorb water and minerals. Root hairs are NOT found in the meristematic or elongation zones. This is a very common NEET trap.
In the region of elongation the cells rapidly get longer and enlarge, which pushes the root deeper into the soil (this gives length growth). In the region of maturation, above it, the cells stop stretching and differentiate into mature tissues, and root hairs appear here. Elongation = growth in length; maturation = cells become mature and form root hairs.
The root cap is a thimble-like (cap-shaped) cover at the very apex of the root. Its job is to protect the tender, soft root tip as the root pushes through the hard soil. It does NOT absorb water and it does NOT bear root hairs. Think of it as a helmet for the growing tip.
The region of meristematic activity, just above the root cap. Its cells are very small, thin-walled and have dense protoplasm, and they divide again and again. This division supplies new cells that later elongate and mature. It is the only zone where active cell division happens.
Root hairs develop from the region of
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
Root cap first, then region of meristematic activity, then region of elongation, then region of maturation. Tip to top: cap, divide, stretch, mature.
No. The root cap only protects the soft root tip in the soil. Water and mineral absorption is done by root hairs in the maturation zone.
The region of elongation. Here cells enlarge and stretch, pushing the root deeper into the soil and adding length.
No. Root hairs are found only in the region of maturation. The meristematic region just divides to make new cells.
NEET repeatedly asks which zone forms root hairs (answer: maturation) and asks the correct order of the zones. It is an easy, high-yield fact from Morphology of Flowering Plants.
