Tissues

Question

Is the outer most protective layer is continuous? If not, what interruptions are usually found on leaves and herbaceous parts of the plant?

Answer

The outermost layer of cells i.e., usually the epidermis is not continuous at some places e.g., on the surface of leaves or green herbaceous stems.

The epidermis of the young shoot and leaves contains numerous minute pores called stomata. Each stomatal opening is surrounded by two semilunar cells known as the guard cells.

The term ‘stoma’ (plural-stomata) is applied to the stomatal opening plus the guard cells. The guard cells are living and contain chloroplasts. Their inner walls (wall towards opening) are thicker and outer walls thinner. The guard cells regulate the opening and closing of the stomatal pore.

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