What is the role of epidermis in plants?
Answer:
Epidermis is the single layer of cells that form the outermost layer in plants
They are flat with outer and side walls are thicker than the inner wall
- It is present all through the plant and protects the plant parts .
Since it has to protect, these cells do not have intercellular spaces .
- The epidermal cells on the aerial surface (part facing outward) secrete a waxy, water-resistant layer .
This aids :
-
- Protection against loss of water
- Mechanical injury
- Invasion by parasitic fungi
- The epidermis is thicker in dry areas to protect plants from water loss. They also have a layer of chemical substance called cutin which gives the plant waterproof quality .
- Small pores called stomata aid in Exchange of gases and Transpiration.
