Root morphology is divided into four zones: the root cap, the apical meristem, the elongation zone, and the hair.[3]The root cap of new roots helps the root penetrate the soil. These root caps are sloughed off as the root goes deeper creating a slimy surface that provides lubricant. The apical meristem behind the root cap produces new root cells that elongated. Then, root hairs form that absorb water and mineral nutrients from the soil.[4] The first root in seed producing plants is the radicle, which expands from the plant embryo after seed germination.