pidentymisvyöhyke

A pidentymisvyöhyke, often translated as "elongation zone," is a region in plant roots and shoots where cells increase in length. This process is crucial for plant growth, allowing roots to penetrate the soil and shoots to reach sunlight. The elongation zone is typically located just behind the meristematic region, where new cells are produced through cell division. In the elongation zone, cells absorb water, which causes their vacuoles to expand. This expansion pushes the cell walls outward, leading to a significant increase in cell length. While cell length increases, the cell walls themselves also stretch and grow. The rate of elongation is highest in this zone, and it gradually decreases as cells mature and differentiate further down the root or shoot. The presence and extent of the elongation zone are influenced by various factors, including water availability, hormones like auxins, and environmental conditions. This region is thus a dynamic area responsible for the primary extension growth of a plant.