Question

Epidermal cells are often modified to perform specialized functions in plants. Name some of them and function they perform.

Answer 1

Epidermal cells are modified in various ways to perform different functions such as:

1. Trichomes: These are the epidermal outgrowths that occur on both vegetative and reproductive parts of the plant and classified into different types:-

• Hairs: They can be glandular and non-glandular. Non-glandular hairs are protective in function and glandular hairs are secretory in function.
  
• Scales: These are disc like plates of cells which are multicellular and flattened. These are protective in function. For example, in pitcher ofNepenthes.
  
• Root hairs: Root hairs are the outgrowths of epidermal cells of roots. These help in absorption of water and minerals from the soil.
  
• Emergences: These are the multicellular outgrowths. For example, prickles of rose.
  

2. Stomata: Epidermis of all green and aerial parts of the plants have minute openings which are called stomata. These aid in exchange of gases.