Question

Differentiate between epidermal & cork cell. Why are they called protective cells ?

Answer 1

Difference between the epidermal cell and cork cell:

• Epidermal cell could be any cell that forms the epidermis. It may serve any function such as protection, secreting metabolic compounds.
• Cork cells are tiny irregular hexagonal or pentagonal cells present in the cork of the trees. Cell wall of cork cells contains suberin which makes it water resistant. These cells are filled with air and their major function is protection and waterproofing.

​​They are known as protective cells because their main function is to provide protection.