What characterizes the cells in the region of cell elongation in root tips?

In the region of cell elongation in root tips, the primary characteristic is that cells become several times their original length. This is a critical phase in root development, as it allows the root to grow deeper into the soil. During this elongation stage, cells absorb water and accumulate turgor pressure, which drives the elongation process. The elongation enables the root to penetrate the soil, facilitating the acquisition of water and nutrients.

The other processes mentioned in different options occur at different regions of the root. For instance, rapid cell division typically occurs in the root apical meristem, while differentiation into specialized cell types is more prominent in the region just above the elongation zone. Moreover, while certain cells near the tip do play a protective role for the root as they form structures like the root cap, the defining feature of the elongation region is indeed this ability for significant increase in cell length. This process supports overall root growth and effective anchoring within the soil environment.