# Root Tip and Mitosis

> A root grows from its tip. Cells divide in the meristem, lengthen in the elongation zone and take on their jobs in the differentiation zone, while the root cap protects the tip as it pushes through soil.

Web page: https://cellnaut.com/topics/root-tip-mitosis

![Teaching illustration: Root Tip and Mitosis](https://cellnaut.com/texture-references/gpt-image-2-biology-more-teaching-2026-05-31/jpg/root-tip-mitosis-teaching.jpg)

## Labelled parts

1. **Root cap**: Protects the growing tip as it pushes through soil.
2. **Meristematic zone**: Small, densely packed cells that keep dividing.
3. **Mitotic cell**: A cell caught in the middle of dividing.
4. **Chromosomes**: Condensed during mitosis so the copies can be separated cleanly.
5. **Cell wall**: Each plant cell is boxed in; a new wall forms between the daughters.
6. **Nucleus**: In cells that are not dividing, the intact nucleus holds the DNA.
7. **Elongation zone**: Cells stop dividing and grow longer, pushing the root forward.
8. **Differentiation zone**: Cells take on specific roles such as transport or absorption.
9. **Root hair**: Outgrowths that increase the surface for absorbing water and minerals.

## Key points

- Mitosis happens mainly in the meristematic zone, just behind the root cap.
- Growth in length comes mostly from cell elongation just above the meristem.
- Root hairs appear in the differentiation zone and increase the area for absorption.

## Check yourself

**1. Where in a root do cells divide most actively?**

- A. Meristematic zone
- B. Root cap
- C. Elongation zone
- D. Root hair zone

**Answer:** A. Meristematic zone - The meristem is where new cells are made.

**2. What mainly happens in the elongation zone?**

- A. Cells divide rapidly
- B. Cells grow longer
- C. Root hairs are shed
- D. Chloroplasts form

**Answer:** B. Cells grow longer - Cells lengthen and push the root tip forward.

## Related lessons

- [The Cell Cycle and Mitosis](https://cellnaut.com/learn/cell-division)

## See it in 3D

- [Root Hair Cell](https://cellnaut.com/studio/rootHair)
- [Plant Cell](https://cellnaut.com/studio/plant)