With reference to the epidermis in plants, consider the following statements: 1. It is usually made of a single layer of cells without intercellular spaces. 2. In desert plants, the epidermis lacks any waxy coating to facilitate transpiration. 3. Epidermal cells of roots often bear hair-like parts to increase surface area for absorption. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation The epidermis is the outermost protective layer of cells covering the entire plant body, including stems, roots, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. It serves as the first line of defense against mechanical injury, water loss, and pathogen invasion. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The epidermis is typically composed of a single layer of cells. These cells are tightly packed to form a continuous sheet without intercellular spaces, ensuring an effective barrier against external factors. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: In desert plants (xerophytes), water conservation is critical. Therefore, the epidermis is covered with a thick waxy coating called the cuticle (composed of cutin). This layer strictly limits water loss through transpiration, rather than facilitating it. - Statement 3 is Correct: The epidermal cells of roots, particularly in the maturation zone, often extend into unicellular hair-like structures known as root hairs. These extensions greatly increase the total surface area available for the absorption of water and mineral nutrients from the soil. Key Takeaway: The plant epidermis is a protective tissue that modifies its structure based on function: it forms a waxy cuticle in aerial parts to prevent water loss and develops root hairs in underground parts to maximize absorption.

With reference to the epidermis in plants,… - NCERT Class 9 Science MCQ

NCERT Class 9 Science — Chapter 2: Tissues

mcqmedium

With reference to the epidermis in plants, consider the following statements:

It is usually made of a single layer of cells without intercellular spaces.
In desert plants, the epidermis lacks any waxy coating to facilitate transpiration.
Epidermal cells of roots often bear hair-like parts to increase surface area for absorption.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Science - class 9 · Page 63

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The epidermis is the outermost protective layer of cells covering the entire plant body, including stems, roots, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. It serves as the first line of defense against mechanical injury, water loss, and pathogen invasion.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The epidermis is typically composed of a single layer of cells. These cells are tightly packed to form a continuous sheet without intercellular spaces, ensuring an effective barrier against external factors.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: In desert plants (xerophytes), water conservation is critical. Therefore, the epidermis is covered with a thick waxy coating called the cuticle (composed of cutin). This layer strictly limits water loss through transpiration, rather than facilitating it.
Statement 3 is Correct: The epidermal cells of roots, particularly in the maturation zone, often extend into unicellular hair-like structures known as root hairs. These extensions greatly increase the total surface area available for the absorption of water and mineral nutrients from the soil.

Key Takeaway: The plant epidermis is a protective tissue that modifies its structure based on function: it forms a waxy cuticle in aerial parts to prevent water loss and develops root hairs in underground parts to maximize absorption.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Tissues

Consider the following statements regarding 'Complex Permanent Tissues': 1. They are made of more than one type of cell. 2. Each cell in the tissue functions independently without coordination. 3. Xylem and Phloem are examples of complex tissues. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements about epithelial tissue: 1. It forms a barrier to keep different body systems separate. 2. It is directly connected to the underlying tissue without any separating membrane. 3. It contains large intercellular spaces to facilitate the movement of materials. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements about 'Smooth Muscles': 1. They are also known as striated muscles. 2. They control involuntary movements like the movement of food in the alimentary canal. 3. They are multinucleate. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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With reference to the fundamental differences between plants and animals, consider the following statements: 1. Plants have a large quantity of supportive tissue which generally consists of dead cells. 2. Growth in plants is uniform throughout the body, whereas in animals it is limited to specific regions. 3. Animals consume more energy compared to plants due to active locomotion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following is the most appropriate reason for the skin being made of 'Stratified Squamous Epithelium'?

easy

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