Definition of a Root Cell

Cell Anatomy

• Root hair cells are found at the bottom of a plant, usually occurring underground. Since their function is to gather water and ions from the soil, these cells have a large surface area, expanded by a part of the cell known as root hairs. Root systems also have vascular tissues, which are made up of specialized cells that transport water and other vital nutrients to the rest of the plant.

Other Root Cells

• Root systems have several other types of cells besides root hair and vascular cells, each contributing to the actions of the root and survival of the plant. The cells of the epidermis or epiblem, for example, help the root to retain water, while the cortex and endodermis surround the vascular system and move water inward through the process of diffusion. Several of these types of cells are found throughout the body of the plant and are not specific to root systems.

Root Growth

• Root cap cells assist the root in growing underground. These cells surround and protect the root meristem or "growing tip," which is the source of root growth. These specialized cells secrete a substance known as mucilage, which eases root growth; they also assist the plant in perceiving gravity so that it grows in the right direction. In some instances, root cap cells form symbiotic relationships with fungi that live in the ground.

Tubers

• Root cells form one of the major organs of a plant (the others are the leaves and the stem). In addition to taking in nutrients from the soil, the root cells also store excess sugar or other nutrients for future use. This is the reason that some plants have tubers; by enlarging their roots to store excess sugars or starches, plants can survive winter months when their roots can't collect nutrients from the frozen ground.