Question

The outer wall of epidermis in stems and leaves has a waxy covering made up of ------------------------

• A. Lignin
• B. Suberin
• C. Pectin
• D. Cutin

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Cutin

The correct option is D.

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Cutin is a waxy and water-repellent substance that is present in the aerial parts of the plant and is responsible for protecting the underlying layers by preventing water loss through transpiration.
2. Thus the outer wall of the epidermis in stems and leaves has a waxy covering made up of cutin.

Explanation for the incorrect option:

Option A:

Lignin is a polymer that is present in the cell wall of the plants and acts as a cement i.e., it hardens the cell wall.

Option B:

Cork cells are dead cells that have deposition of a fatty substance in their cell walls known as suberin.

Option C:

Pectin is a secretory product that is present in the cell wall of plants and is responsible for providing structural support to the plant.

Final answer:

The outer wall of the epidermis in stems and leaves has a waxy covering made up of cutin.