Question

Which of the following statements is not true about endodermis?

• A. The endodermis is the innermost layer of the cortex
• B. It consists of multiple layers of rounded dead cells arranged in circular layers
• C. Tissue region inside the endodermis is collectively referred to as ‘stele’
• D. The endodermis of dicot stem is also called the starch sheath

Answer 1

The correct option is B It consists of multiple layers of rounded dead cells arranged in circular layers

The endodermis is considered as the innermost layer of the cortex. It is made up of a single layer of characteristic barrel-shaped cells.
Certain non-lignified cells of the endodermal layer called passage cells remain alive. The other cells of the endodermis may die at maturity.
Endodermis often appears as a wavy layer in the transverse section of a typical dicot stem.
All the tissues that lie interior to the endodermis constitute the stele.
All the tissues external to endodermis are called extra stelar tissues. Hence, it forms a border between cortex and stele.
In a dicot stem, often the endodermal cells contain starch grain as a reserve food material. That is why, endodermis is also called starch sheath.