Which region of the root is responsible for the growth and development of cells, located just above the meristematic region?

The correct choice is the elongation region, as this part of the root plays a critical role in the growth and development of cells. Located just above the meristematic region, which is responsible for the continuous division of cells, the elongation region is where newly formed cells expand and elongate. This process increases the length of the root, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the soil for better access to water and nutrients.

In the elongation region, cells that have recently been produced in the meristematic area begin to differentiate and enlarge, contributing to the overall growth of the root system. This differentiation is essential for the development of various tissues that will later serve specific functions in the plant.

Maturation refers to a zone further up the root where cells attain their final form and function, but it is primarily focused on the specialization of cells rather than their initial growth. The primary tissue relates more broadly to the types of tissues produced in the plant rather than a specific growth region. The meristematic region is exclusively responsible for cell division and does not contribute directly to the growth or elongation of existing cells. Thus, the elongation region is correctly identified as the area where significant growth and cell development occur following mitosis in the meristematic region