What is the epidermis in plants?
Q: What is the epidermis in plants?
A: The epidermis in plants is a single layer of cells that covers the leaves, flowers, roots and stems of plants. It divides the plant from the outside environment.
Q: What are some functions of the epidermis?
A: The epidermis has several functions including protecting the plant from loss of water, controlling gas exchange, making metabolic compounds, and taking in water and nutrients in roots.
Q: Are there any parts of a plant with a different cover than an epidermis?
A: Yes, some parts of a plant may have a different cover called a periderm. Potatoes typically have this kind of covering.
Q: How many layers thick is most epidermal tissue?
A: Most plants have an epidermis that is one cell layer thick. Some plants may have more than one layer though.
Q: What does cutin do for the plant's epidermal cells?
A: Cutin gives strength and protection to the plant by linking together tightly with other cells in parts above ground level.
Q: Does wax play any role in protecting or coloring the surface of a plant's epidermis? A: Yes, wax can give some plants a whitish or bluish surface color as well as protect them from sunlight and wind by covering their cuticle on top of their cutin-containing cells.
Q: What types of cells make up an epidermal tissue? A: An epidermal tissue typically includes various types such as epdermal cells, guard cells, subsidiary cells, and trichomes (or hairs).
