Question

Is root hair a cell ?

Answer 1

Hint: Root hair is also called absorbent hair. These are tubular structures present on the outer or epidermal layer of the root. These structures help in most of the absorptions.

Complete answer:
Roots are the one of the most important parts of the plant. They are present below the ground and help in absorption of minerals and water from the soil. They are cylindrical in structure and can be present in singular or branched form. These roots are made up of different layers. The outermost layer is followed by the cortex, pericycle, endodermis, vascular layer(xylem, phloem) and pith. The epidermal layer is made up of two types of cells which are trichoblasts and atrichoblasts. The trichoblasts cells help in the formation of root hairs. They extend laterally from trichoblast into the soil. These root hairs are so thin that sometimes they can be microscopic. These root hair cells increase the surface area of the root which helps in osmosis. These root hairs are the main absorbing units of roots.

    

Yes, root hair is a cell. These hair-like structures are the lateral outgrowth of a single cell. They are modified trichoblast cells. They are present in the zone of differentiation, also called the region of maturation.

Notes-
Root hairs bear the root nodules in case of leguminous plants in which the nitrogen fixing bacteria reside, forming a symbiotic relationship with the plant and helps in fixation of nitrogen into ammonia which is utilised by the whole plant. They also prevent harmful bacteria from entering the root. Root hairs play a major role in the growth of a plant.