Root cap

Root tip: 2 root cap

As root cap, also called a calyptra (greek cover) is called in seed plants consisting of a short-lived cells hood which protects the basal Wurzelapikalmeristem in the root apex. Through strong slime formation of the outer cells of the root cap the advance of the root tip is also facilitated in the ground.

Education

The root cap that sits above the Meristemgewebes is formed by the roots of the grass plants by a separate section of the meristem, the Kalyptrogen. In most Eudikotyledonen however, the root cap is formed by anticlinal division of the same range of cells that also form the protoderm ( Dermatokalyptrogen ).

The cells of the root cap, which can be defined as a permanent tissue, are relatively short-lived and resolve after a few days. Therefore, form the respective Meristemschichten permanent new root cap cells, which rapidly undergo differentiation phase and then are fully functional.

Function

The cells of the root cap have two functions: first, the structure protects the basal Wurzelapikalmeristem in the past under the root cap root tip against injury or external influences. On the other hand, the outermost and thus oldest root cap cells to massive Pektinausscheidungen ( Mucigel ). This lead to a strong mucilage of the cell walls. The so heavily mucus-containing outer root cap layer facilitates the penetration of the root tip in the ground.

Also to be found in the root tip Statocyten in which heavy particles ( statoliths ) fall due to gravity and so the growth direction can be made out to the center of the earth.