Epidermis, endodermis and the tissues of the root

Overview

Epidermis of a young root, cortex of a root and band of waterproof material in the walls of endodermal cells.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Describe the epidermis of a young root.

   Model answer

   It is the single outer layer of cells covering the root, and many of its cells are drawn out into root hairs.

2. 2

   Why does the epidermis of a young root lack a thick waxy cuticle?

   Model answer

   A waterproof cuticle would prevent the absorption of water and mineral ions from the soil solution.

3. 3

   What is the cortex of a root?

   Model answer

   The cortex is the layer of unspecialised packing cells lying between the epidermis and the endodermis.

4. 4

   Where is the endodermis found in a root?

   Model answer

   The endodermis is the innermost layer of the cortex, forming a continuous single-cell sheath around the vascular tissue.

5. 5

   Name the band of waterproof material in the walls of endodermal cells.

   Model answer

   It is the Casparian strip, made of suberin.

6. 6

   Which walls of an endodermal cell carry the Casparian strip?

   Model answer

   It runs around the radial and transverse walls of each endodermal cell, forming a continuous band around the layer.

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