The thick layers of cells covering and protecting the delicate apical meristem is called the:

A) root cap.
B) root hairs.
C) pericycle.
D) adventitious root.
E) radicle.

Apical Meristem

A region found at the tips of roots and shoots in plants where cells are undifferentiated and capable of division, leading to growth in length.

Root Cap

A protective structure at the tip of a plant root that guards the growing tip and aids in penetrating the soil.