Question

What makes the apical meristem of the root sub terminal?

Answer 1

Hint: Meristematic tissues are the group of cells that are always ready for cell division in plants. Based on the position of these tissues, they can be classified into apical meristem, intercalary
meristem and lateral meristem.

Complete answer: Apical meristem is the type of meristem that is present at the apices of the
plants that include shoot apex which is also called apical bud and root apex. Root apical meristem is
present at the tip of the roots and shoots apical meristem is seen at the topmost region of the step
axis.
-In roots, the root apical meristem is subterminal in nature. It is because the root apical meristem is
covered by the root cap and is present in the terminal region of the root tip. It is a thimble-like structure
that covers the root. Root cap protects the root tip when it grows downwards towards the soil.
-Cells present in the root apical meristem are actively dividing cells. These are small cells that contain a large amount of protoplasm. These cells are thin-walled and they divide repeatedly. Cells proximal to the meristematic cells are cells involved in elongation of the root axis. This region is called the region of elongation. These cells mature gradually and form the region of maturation that contains mature cells. Root hairs are seen in the region of maturation.

Note: Epidermal cells of the region of maturation in the root tip forms small root hairs. These are elongations of the epidermal cells towards the outside and are delicate in nature. These root hairs
absorbs water and minerals from the soil and also increases the surface area for absorption.