The correct answer is epidermis
Leaves are the vegetative part of the plants and they develop during primary growth from the apical meristem. Leaves are very vital organs of the plants as they synthesize food for the plants. The outermost layer of the leaf is covered with waxy coating called cuticle that protects leaves by preventing water loss. Below the cuticle, a single layer of cells epidermis is present. Leaf is may be upper epidermis and lower epidermis. Epidermis plays important role in protection of the leaves.