Dermal tissue in plants (protection) includes which components?

Dermal tissue in plants (protection) includes which components?

• A. Epidermis, stomata
• B. Xylem and phloem
• C. Cortex and pith
• D. Endodermis and pericycle

Answer: (A)

Dermal tissue is the plant’s outer protective covering, with the epidermis as its main component. The epidermis forms the outer boundary and, in many plants, secretes a cuticle that helps protect against water loss and pests. Stomata are openings within this outer layer that enable gas exchange; they are regulated by guard cells, balancing the plant’s need for carbon dioxide with its water conservation. So, the combination of epidermis and stomata represents the protective, surface-facing dermal tissue. The other tissues listed aren’t part of the dermal system: xylem and phloem are the vascular tissues that transport water, minerals, and sugars; cortex and pith are ground tissue involved in storage and support; endodermis and pericycle are internal root tissues associated with regulation of movement into the vascular cylinder, not the protective outer layer.

Dermal tissue is the plant’s outer protective covering, with the epidermis as its main component. The epidermis forms the outer boundary and, in many plants, secretes a cuticle that helps protect against water loss and pests. Stomata are openings within this outer layer that enable gas exchange; they are regulated by guard cells, balancing the plant’s need for carbon dioxide with its water conservation. So, the combination of epidermis and stomata represents the protective, surface-facing dermal tissue.

The other tissues listed aren’t part of the dermal system: xylem and phloem are the vascular tissues that transport water, minerals, and sugars; cortex and pith are ground tissue involved in storage and support; endodermis and pericycle are internal root tissues associated with regulation of movement into the vascular cylinder, not the protective outer layer.