Question

The epidermal cells provide ............ to the plants.

• A. Water
• B. Protection
• C. Strength
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Protection

The epidermis is the outermost cellular layer which covers the whole plant structure, i.e., it covers roots, stem, leaves, flowers and fruit. It is composed of a single layer of living cells, although there are exceptions. The function of epidermal cells are as follows-

1) The epidermal cells protectthe underlying cells.
2) The waxy cuticleprevents the loss of moisturefrom the leaves and stems.
3) The transparent epidermal cellsallow sunlight (for photosynthesis)to pass through to the chloroplasts in the mesophyll tissue.
4) The stomata of leaves and stems allowgaseous exchangeto take place which is necessary forphotosynthesis and respiration.
5) Water vapor may be given off through the stomata during transpiration.
6) The root-hairsabsorb water and dissolved ionsfrom the soil.

Hence the correct option is B.