Final answer:
Dicotyledonous plants have specialized cells such as protective epidermal cells, gas-regulating guard cells, growth-contributing cambium cells, and water-transporting xylem cells. The arrangement of vascular tissues differs between dicots and monocots; dicots have a ring-like arrangement while monocots have scattered tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specialized Cells in Dicotyledonous Plants
Dicotyledonous plants, often referred to as dicots, exhibit a range of specialized cells that fulfill unique functions necessary for the plant's survival and growth. Each type of specialized cell has a distinct shape that correlates with its function in the plant.
- Epidermal cells serve as a protective layer covering the plant. They are often flat and form a continuous layer without gaps, reducing water loss and providing a barrier against pathogens.
- Guard cells are kidney-shaped cells flanking the stomata. Through their swelling and shrinking, they regulate the opening and closing of stomata, thus controlling gas exchange and transpiration.
- Cambium cells are found in vascular tissue and are cylindrical or elongated. They are crucial for secondary growth, giving rise to secondary xylem (wood) and phloem (inner bark).
- Xylem cells have a tubular shape, often strengthened by lignin, that allows them to support the plant and transport water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.
In addition to these cell types, there are differences between monocots and dicots in how the vascular tissues are arranged. In dicots, the phloem and xylem form a characteristic ring in the stem, whereas in monocots, these vascular tissues are scattered in the stem. The root system of dicots generally features a main root, while monocot roots tend to form a fibrous network.