What are the structural characteristics of
(a) Meristematic cells near the root tip
(b) The cells in the elongation zone of the root
(a) Meristematic cells are located in the zone, which is the growing point of the root, and in an active state of cell division. The cells are closely arranged and thin-walled and have dense protoplasm. They are essential for the growth of roots.
(b) In this zone, the cells are newly formed and lose the ability to divide, which is why they elongate and rapidly increase the length of the root. They have a large number of small vacuoles. These vacuoles fuse to form one large central vacuole. This is what causes the cells to elongate and longitudinally grow in this region.