Which type of meristem is responsible for producing the root cap?

The production of the root cap is primarily the role of the apical meristem. This type of meristem is located at the tips of roots and shoots, where it is involved in the growth and development of new plant tissues. The apical meristem is responsible for primary growth, which increases the length of the plant.

As the root grows deeper into the soil, the apical meristem contributes to the formation of specialized structures such as the root cap, which serves to protect the delicate meristematic cells behind it from physical damage and desiccation as they push through the soil. The root cap also plays a role in gravity perception and aids in directional growth by helping the root to navigate through the soil.

In contrast, lateral meristems are involved in secondary growth and the thickening of stems and roots, intercalary meristems are found in specific regions like grasses and are responsible for growth at the bases of leaves or internodes, and cambium meristem is primarily responsible for secondary growth by producing secondary xylem and phloem. Therefore, the apical meristem is uniquely positioned and structured to fulfill the function of producing the root cap.