Groeizone

Groeizone, in botany often translated as growth zone, denotes a region in a plant or organism where cells are actively dividing or expanding to drive growth. In plants, growth zones are typically tied to meristematic tissue and to zones along the developing organ where cells increase in size and acquire specialized properties.

In roots and shoots, primary growth occurs at apical meristems located at the tips. In roots, several zones can be distinguished along the length of the growing region: the zone of cell division (meristematic zone), where cells divide; the zone of elongation, where cells enlarge; and the zone of maturation, where cells differentiate into specialized cell types.

Growth in these zones is controlled by hormonal signals, principally auxins and cytokinins, and by environmental cues such as light, gravity, water availability, and nutrient supply. Mechanical factors and water status also influence cell expansion in the growth zone.

Understanding groeizones is important in agriculture and horticulture, because the size and activity of growth zones affect root length, shoot height, and overall plant vigor. In addition to plants, the term is used in broader contexts to describe regions characterized by rapid growth, though its precise meaning varies by field.

Related concepts include meristem, primary growth, and secondary growth.