Root hair

Root Hair

A root hair, or absorbent hair, is a thin hair-like outgrowth on a root of a vascular plant. It is a cell of the outermost layer of cells (epidermis) of the root, and it plays a crucial role in the absorption of water and mineral nutrients from the soil.

Structure and Function

Root hairs are tubular extensions of epidermal cells on the root of a plant. They are typically 15 to 17 micrometers in diameter and 80 to 1,500 micrometers in length. Root hairs form an important surface over which plants absorb most of their water and nutrients. They are also directly involved in the formation of root nodules in legume plants.

Development

The development of root hairs occurs in four stages: cell fate determination, initiation, tip growth, and maturation. The process is regulated by various genes and plant hormones, including auxin and ethylene.

Ecological Role

Root hairs can play a significant role in soil stabilization and erosion control, particularly in agroecosystems. They also interact with soil microorganisms, contributing to plant-microbe interactions and the rhizosphere effect.

See Also

• Root
• Epidermis (botany)
• Cell (biology)
• Mineral nutrient
• Soil
• Root nodule
• Legume
• Gene
• Plant hormone
• Auxin
• Ethylene
• Agroecosystem
• Rhizosphere

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