Question

Answer in brief. Sketch and label the following.
(a) Regions of the root
(b) Typical leaf

Answer 1

Hint: Root is a part of a plant that usually lies below the soil. It can be divided into five regions. The leaf is a lateral structure borne on the stem. It is usually flattened but can be modified based on different factors. A typical leaf consists of three main parts.

Complete answer:
The five regions of a root are the root cap, a region of meristematic activity, region of elongation, region of maturation, and root hairs. Also, a typical leaf has primarily three parts: leaf base, petiole, and lamina. The apical region of the root is covered by a thimble-like structure. This is called ‘root cap.’ It functions by protecting the tender apex of the root as it grows downwards making its way through the soil.
-A few millimeters before the root cap is the ‘region of meristematic activity.’ Cells within this region are thin-walled, very small in size, and have dense protoplasm. They possess the capability of repeated division.
-The cells present proximal to this region undergo rapid elongation and enlargement. They are responsible for the lengthening of the root. So, the region is called the ‘region of elongation.’
-The cells present in the elongation zone eventually undergo differentiation and maturation. Therefore the zone located proximal to the region of elongation is known as the ‘region of maturation.’
-Some of the epidermal cells from this region form very thin, delicate, thread-like structures. These fine appendages are known as ‘root hairs.’
Now let's study briefly about a leaf.
As stated in the hint a typical leaf has three main parts namely leaf base, petiole, and lamina. ‘Leaf base’ is the structure by which a leaf is attached to the stem. It may present with two lateral small leaf-like structures called stipules. The green expanded part of a leaf with its constituent veins and veinlets together form the lamina. ‘Petiole’ is the structure that helps hold the lamina to the sunlight.

Note: Meristematic activity: It is a feature that enables a structure to show cell division. Cells that show meristematic activity are considered undifferentiated.
-The purpose of root hairs is to absorb water and minerals from the soil.
-A leaf lamina is also known as the leaf blade.