Concept in Definition ABC

The term in this entry is part of the specialized vocabulary of the botany, a discipline scientist who took her first steps in the IV century BC. C in Greece with the first classification of vegetables made by Teofrasto. However, it was not until the seventeenth century that the concept of cell plant and laid the foundations of the anatomy of plants.

Caliptra is found in the roots of plants

The set formed by the roots, the stem and the leaves constitute the vegetative apparatus of the plants. If we focus on the root, it fulfills two basic functions: to maintain its grip on the ground and to absorb water and you go out minerals from the ground.

Regarding its parts, every root is divided into four structures:

1) a main root,

2) a series of secondary roots,

3) the caliptra and

4) absorbent hairs.

The main root is the thickest part and the secondary ones are those of smaller size and that come out of the main one. The calyptra is the structure that allows the protection of the entire root and, in turn, this protection is what allows it to develop inside the soil. Absorbent hairs have, as their name suggests, the function of absorbing water and mineral salts from the soil. In this sense, it should be noted that plants are autotrophic beings, since they are the ones that provide their food.

Characteristics of the caliptra

It has specific cells, the so-called parenchymal cells, which allow the photosynthesis and the storage of plant reserve substances.

The caliptra, also known as a cap, acts as a protective element, in such a way that its structure functions as a barrier for meristematic cells to allow root development in the I usually. Caliptra produces a substance that facilitates the viscosity of the plant, mucilage (this substance serves as a counterweight to the force gravity).

Inside the calyptra there is a high content of starch, a fundamental substance for plants to be able to to stock their food. It must be taken into account that starch is synthesized from obtaining carbon dioxide that is taken from the atmosphere and, in parallel, from the water that is absorbed from the soil.

Regarding its shape, the caliptra has a conical structure with which it is possible to protect the fabric meristem of plants (the cells of this tissue are responsible for the development of the plant). The caliptra tissue is soft and cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Photos: Fotolia - raresb / flaya