Question

Root cap has no function in water absorption, because
A) Its vascular system is not directly connected
B) Its cells are loosely placed
C) It has cells without chloroplast
D) It has no root hair

Answer 1

The root consists of different regions such as region of maturation, region of elongation, region of meristematic activity and the root cap region. Root hairs are the epidermal cells which help in absorption of water and minerals by increasing the surface area of the roots. They are thin hair-like extensions.

Complete answer:
Roots are the parts of the plant which are present below the soil. It helps in anchoring the plants to the soil and also helps in the absorption of water and minerals. The tissues present in the plants help in transport of absorbed water and minerals. The roots are positively geotropic and positively hydrotropic.

The various regions of roots are-

Root cap region- It is the most apical region of the root which is covered by a cap which protects the apex of the roots during its movements. The mucilage which is secreted by hroot caps helps the root to penetrate in the soil without causing harm to the roots. This mucilage also helps in absorption of water and minerals. This root cap keeps renewing constantly. This region does not perform the function of water absorption as it lacks root hairs.

The region of meristematic activity- This region consists of meristematic cells which are present above the root cap region. This region consists of the outermost layer known as the dermatogen which matures to form root cap. Inner to dermatogen, we can find a problem which matures into the cortex. Plerome is the central region which forms the stele.

Region of elongation- The cells in this region show elongation and help the plants to increase in length. This region is present above the meristematic region.

Region of maturation- The cells in this region mature into various tissues and contain root hairs. Root hairs help in increasing the surface area for absorption of water and minerals.

The cells in the root cap do not contain chloroplast as they do not perform photosynthesis. The vascular tissues are connected to all parts of the plants. But the root cap does not consist of root hairs and thus are not able to absorb the water and minerals.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Roots are the present below the soil. The root consists of various regions which helps in its growth and development. The part of the root which is present in the apex is called the root cap. This region consists of a cap like structure over the root tips to prevent its damage.