EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The root cap is a mass of cells (parenchyma cells) located at the tip of the root that protects it from mechanical damage. It also secretes a slimy substance called mucilage to help the root grow more smoothly into the soil.

Detailed explanation-2: -Mucilage is mainly secreted via the Golgi apparatus of hypersecretory cells of the root cap as a gelatinous polygalacturonic acid polysaccharide (Fig. 14.17), and is subsequently transferred during root elongation to older root zones, but epidermal cells are also able to secrete mucilage (Vermeer and McCully, 1981).

Detailed explanation-3: -Root mucilage is made of plant-specific polysaccharides or long chains of sugar molecules. This polysaccharide secretion of root exudate forms a gelatinous substance that sticks to the caps of roots. Root mucilage is known to play a role in forming relationships with soil-dwelling life forms.

Detailed explanation-4: -The root cap, a small tissue at the tip of the root, protects the root from environmental stress and functions in gravity perception. To perform its functions, the position and size of the root cap remains stable throughout root growth.

Detailed explanation-5: -The root cap protects the growing tip in plants. It secretes mucilage to ease the movement of the root through soil, and may also be involved in communication with the soil microbiota.