Question

The epidermal cells provide _________ to the plants.
A.Water
B.Protection
C.Strength
D. All of the above.

Answer 1

Hint:The outermost, protoderm-derived layer of cells in botany encompasses the stem, root, leaves, herb, fruit, and seed sections of a plant.

Complete Answer:
The epidermis is a single cell layer that protects the plants' leaves, buds, roots and stems. A boundary between the plant and the external environment is established. The epidermis has a number of functions: it protects against water loss, regulates the exchange of gases, secretes metabolic compounds and absorbs water and mineral nutrients (especially in the roots). Dorsoventral anatomy is seen in the epidermis of most leaves:-the upper (adaxial) and lower (abaxial) surfaces have very different structures and may perform different roles. A secondary covering called the periderm is formed by woody stems and some other stem structures such as potato tubers, which replaces the epidermis as the protective covering. Cutin is found in the walls of the epidermal cells of the above ground sections of plants and is covered with a cuticle. In smooth sheets, granules, plates, tubes, or filaments, the cuticle decreases water loss to the atmosphere; it is often coated with wax. The wax layers give a whitish or bluish surface colour to some plants. Surface wax serves as a barrier to moisture and protects the plant from strong wind and sunlight. The underside of many leaves has a thinner cuticle than the top layer, and by decreasing transpiration, leaves of plants from dry climates also have thickened cuticles to preserve water.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note: There are three major groups of cells in the epidermis:- keratinocytes (skin cells) melanocytes (pigment generating cells) cells (immune cells) of Langerhans.