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Chapter 32: Problem 13

The noncellular waxy layer secreted by the epidermis over its aerial surface is called (a) lignin (b) cuticle (c) periderm (d) cellulose (e) trichome

Short Answer

Expert verified
The correct answer is (b) cuticle.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Question

We need to identify the term that describes a noncellular waxy layer secreted by the epidermis over the aerial surface of a plant. This layer serves as a protective barrier.
02

Analyzing the Options

Let's go through each option: (a) Lignin - This is a substance that provides rigidity and support to plant tissues by penetrating the cell wall, not a noncellular waxy layer. (b) Cuticle - This is a waxy layer covering the epidermis of aerial parts of plants, specifically designed to minimize water loss. (c) Periderm - It replaces the epidermis in plants, providing protective functions in thicker tissues but is cellular. (d) Cellulose - A component of the cell wall, providing structure and support, not a noncellular waxy layer. (e) Trichome - These are hair-like outgrowths from the epidermis, not a waxy layer.
03

Identifying the Correct Answer

Based on the definition and analysis, the cuticle corresponds to the noncellular waxy layer secreted by the epidermis over the aerial surface of plants. This makes the cuticle the correct answer.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Epidermis
In the plant world, the epidermis plays a crucial role. It is the outermost layer of cells covering the plant body. This thin layer acts as the first line of defense against various environmental factors.
The epidermis is unique because it doesn't just protect but also supports important plant activities. It regulates gas exchange and interacts with the external environment. Additionally, it secretes the plant cuticle, a noncellular waxy layer crucial for protection!
Key functions of the epidermis include:
  • Protection against physical damage
  • Reduction of water loss
  • Prevention of pathogen invasion
  • Facilitation of gas exchange through structures like stomata
Waxy Layer
The waxy layer, or cuticle, is a fascinating adaptation found in plants. It is secreted by the epidermal cells and forms a barrier on the surface of leaves and stems. This layer is predominantly composed of lipids and waxes, giving it a hydrophobic, or water-repelling, nature.
This waxy layer serves multiple vital functions:
  • Protects the plant surface from water loss
  • Acts as a barrier against harmful microbes
  • Helps reflect excess sunlight, reducing desiccation and overheating
By covering and protecting aerial parts of the plant, this layer ensures the plant's survival, particularly in dry or harsh environments.
Plant Protection
Plants might not appear combative, but they have varied defense mechanisms. Plant protection encompasses a broad range of strategies. These strategies help defend against environmental stresses and biological threats. The plant cuticle is a prime example of a physical defense.
This protective layer is critical as:
  • It forms a gatekeeper against pathogen infiltration, such as fungi and bacteria.
  • Helps resist physical damage from environmental factors like wind and rain.
  • Reflects harsh UV radiation, protecting delicate tissues.
Moreover, plants often combine the cuticle with chemical defenses, releasing substances that deter herbivores.
Water Loss Prevention
Plants face an ongoing challenge to maintain their water levels, especially in arid environments. Water loss prevention is crucial for their survival. Thanks to the plant cuticle, a thin yet effective layer, plants can significantly reduce water vapor loss.
Water loss prevention is facilitated by:
  • The hydrophobic properties of the cuticle that restrict water movement
  • The cuticle's aid in minimizing transpiration rates
  • The dynamic adjustment of this layer based on environmental conditions, e.g., thicker cuticles in dry areas
By optimizing water retention, the cuticle enables plants to maintain their physiological functions while thriving in diverse climates.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Plants that complete their life cycles in 1 year are called ____________; those that complete them in 2 years are _____________; and those that live year after year are ____________ ; (a) annuals; perennials; biennials (b) biennials; annuals; perennials (c) annuals; biennials; perennials (d) perennials; annuals; biennials (e) perennials; biennials; annuals

Which of the following statements about the vascular tissue system is not true? (a) xylem and phloem are continuous throughout the plant body (b) xylem not only conducts water and dissolved minerals but also provides support (c) four cell types occur in phloem: sieve tube elements, companion cells, tracheids, and vessel elements (d) sieve tube elements lack nuclei (e) vessel elements are hollow, and their end walls have perforations or are entirely dissolved away

Which tissue system provides a covering for the plant body? (a) ground (b) vascular (c) periderm (d) dermal (e) cortex

The cell walls of parenchyma cells (a) contain large quantities of pectin in the thickened corners (b) are rich in lignin but do not contain hemicelluloses and pectin (c) are predominantly cellulose, although they also contain hemicelluloses and pectin (d) contain cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin in approximately equal amounts (e) contain hemicelluloses, pectin, and lignin but no cellulose

The two lateral meristems responsible for secondary growth are the (a) cork cambium and apical meristem (b) apical meristem and cork parenchyma (c) vascular cambium and apical meristem (d) vascular cambium and cork cambium (e) cork cambium and cork parenchyma
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