Final answer:
Cells at the tip of a plant's root undergo mitosis within the apical meristem, leading to an increase in cell number for root growth. This mitotic division is protected by the root cap and results in lengthening the root through a process called primary growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cells in the tip of a plant's root undergo mitosis to increase in number, specifically within a region known as the apical meristem.
This mitotically active zone is at the very tip of the root, protected by a structure called the root cap. Here, cells are continuously dividing and then elongating through a process called primary growth.
This causes the entire root to grow and elongate, allowing the plant to access more water and nutrients from the soil.
Apical meristems consist of undifferentiated cells that proliferate for the entirety of the plant's life. These cells give rise to specialized tissues required for the plant's growth and functioning.
While the zone of cell division is focused on mitosis, the nearby zone of elongation is where these new cells grow in length. The coordination of these processes enables the root to push further into the soil and supports the overall growth of the plant.