Question

Have you ever seen dead cells? Think of some parts of plants and animals including human beings that are composed of dead cells. Do you think dead cells play an important role in the body of plants and animals? If yes, give reasons to justify your answer.

Answer 1

Dead cells in plants and animals:

1. All the structures in xylem except the xylem parenchyma are composed of dead cells.
2. Outer layer of skin(epidermis), nails, hair, and enamel in human beings are composed of dead cells.

Function of dead cell:

1. Dead cells provide mechanical strength to the plants and do not require much maintenance.
2. Dead cells protects the human body from the bacterial invasion as the hair present in the nose protect the entry of dust, dirt and bacteria.
3. Enamel is considered as the hardest part of the body, it helps the animals in chewing the food.