# Roots

Before you continue do read 2.2 out of your textbook.

Root hairs

The root hairs are very delicate hairs at the end of the roots, which you can see in the picture above. Durring class we will study these with a magnifing glass and microscope. Through these roothairs a plant absorbs all the water and nutrients it needs. They are made of only one specialized cell which streches itselfs out throughout the soil (picture below).

Growth of a root

The roots only grow in length at the roots tips. The part where the roots grows is divided in to tree parts. The zone of division, zone of elongation and zone of maturation.

- In the zone of division new cells are created. These cells are small and squared.

- In the zone of elongation these small squared cells stretch themselves out, creating long rectangular cells.

- In the zone of maturation these elongated cells specialize in a certain tasks. It is in this zone where root hairs are created.

The end the root tip is protected by a root cap. When the root grows this part is pushed through the soil. (See picture bellow)

Roots

Now watch the video supplied below, and read the text which is added closely. Do you notice what happens each time there is insufficient water?

Video growth of a root