Question

What is the function of epidermis?

Answer 1

Epidermis:

1. The epidermis is the outermost cellular layer that covers the whole plant structure, that is, it covers roots, stem, and leaves or the whole animal body.
2. It is composed of a single layer of living cells, even though there are exceptions.

Functions of the Epidermis:

In plants:

1. The epidermal cells will protect the underlying cells.
2. The waxy cuticle will prevent the loss of moisture from the leaves and stems.
3. The transparent epidermal cells will allow sunlight for photosynthesis to pass through the chloroplasts in the mesophyll tissue.
4. The stomata of leaves and stems allow the gaseous exchange to take place which is necessary for photosynthesis and respiration.
5. The water vapour may be given off through the stomata during transpiration.
6. Epidermis is cornified to resist abrasion.

In animals:

1. The outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, provides a waterproof barrier and creates skin tone.
2. Beneath the epidermis, the dermis contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands
3. Hydration: The outermost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum) retains moisture, keeping the skin moist and healthy.
4. Generation of new skin cells: New skin cells originate in the lowest layer of the epidermis (basal layer) and migrate up through the other layers with age. It reaches the outermost layer of the epidermis after about a month. There, skin cells slough off the body as new cells develop at the bottom layer.
5. Protection: The epidermis acts like armor to protect the body from damage such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites), and chemicals.
6. Skin color: The epidermis contains cells called melanocytes, which produce melanin. Melanin is a group of pigments that give skin its color.