Plant Anatomy

Epidermis

Protects against drying out

Pith

Stores excess water and starch

Cortex

facilitates transfer of water, minerals, nutrients, sugars, and hormones

Root Cap

layer of dead cells at very tip of root

Region of cell divsion

is where new cells are constantly dividing

Region of cell elongation

is where cells get longer and most of lengthening happens

Region of maturation

where root hairs begin to develop

Root Hairs

use capillary action to pull water out

Guttation is the release of excess water at tip of leaves

Meristems

are regions of plant where cells are constantly dividing and growing

shoot apical meristem

responsible for primary upward growth of the plants

Root apical meristem

responsible for primary downward growth of plant

Axillary meristem

can develop into branches and define the overall shape of the plant

Lateral Meristem

responsible for stem thickening, sometimes called secondary growth, origin of bark and wood