Behind this zone, the cells elongate, differentiate and take up water. As the root penetrates the soil the cells of the root-cap slough off. All of the tip end of the root including the cap is covered by a slimy sheath. This lubricates the root during it's passage through the soil. Root cap cells detect gravity.
Lateral roots arise far back on the taproot.
Not near the tip like leaves. Located in a zone back from the apex, elongate tubular extensions of single cells of the epidermis with increased surface area for absorption. They arise in back of the tip and die off some distance back. In back of that is the area where cells are actively dividing. Most plants have indeterminate growth.