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⇝ Epidermis :
Protective tissues includes epidermis & cork. Epidermis is basically a simple permanent tissue, protective in function. It forms one-cell-thick covering over all the parts of plant.
⇝ Characteristics of Epidermis :
- Epidermis is formed of living cells, arranged in a single layer.
- In aerial parts, epidermis is covered with a waterproof and noncellular waxy covering called cuticle.
- Cells form a continuous layer, but in leaves epidermis has small openings called stomata.
- Each stoma is guarded by a pair of bean-shaped guard cells which govern opening & closing of stomatal aperture.
⇝ Functions of Epidermis :
- Epidermis protects the underlying tissues from mechanical injury, chemicals & infection.
- Cuticle of epidermis protects against water loss & desiccation. It checks the rate of transpiration & evaporation and prevents wilting.
- Stomata in the epidermis of leaves help in gaseous exchange during respiration & photosynthesis.
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