A root apical meristem is protected by a root cap as it pushes through the abrasive soil. The root cap also secretes a polysaccharide slime that lubricates the soil around the tip of the root.
An apical meristem is of each root tip is a dividing zone that forms new cells in two directions. The meristem produces new cells in front of itself that become a loose fitting rootcap. Layers of...