When lateral roots grow outward from the pericycle what effe

When lateral roots grow outward from the pericycle, what effect does this have on the cortex and the epidermis? (HINT: Review the structure of the root and the location of these tissues.) Cells of the epidermis frequently retain a capability for cell division. Why is this important? (HINT: What is their function?)

Solution

1. ANS: Lateral roots begin growing from the internal pericycle of a primary root. The pericycle bulges into the lateral root tissue as it grows. When the surface area is growing to increase cortex and epidermis are forced to expand.

2. ANS:

The epidermis plays a very significant role in roots due to its protective role of underlying tissue from physical damage and it regulates materials movement (water loss) and bacterial invasion. If in an any unfortunate damage of this tissue the cell division replaces the damaged tissue.