Which Of These Cells Of The Dermal Tissue Of Plants Prevent Water Loss And Control Gas Exchange?A. Phloem Cells B. Companion Cells C. Parenchyma Cells D. Guard Cells

Understanding Plant Dermal Tissue Cells: A Key to Water Conservation and Gas Exchange

Plant dermal tissue is a crucial component of a plant's structure, playing a vital role in protecting the plant from external factors such as water loss, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical damage. The dermal tissue is composed of various types of cells, each with unique functions and characteristics. In this article, we will explore the different types of dermal tissue cells and identify which ones are responsible for preventing water loss and controlling gas exchange.

Dermal Tissue Cells: A Brief Overview

Dermal tissue cells are classified into three main types: epidermal cells, hypodermal cells, and peridermal cells. Each type of cell has distinct functions and characteristics.

• Epidermal cells: These cells form the outermost layer of the plant, providing protection against water loss, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical damage.
• Hypodermal cells: These cells are located beneath the epidermal cells and play a crucial role in supporting the plant's structure.
• Peridermal cells: These cells are responsible for forming the bark of the plant, providing additional protection against water loss and mechanical damage.

Types of Dermal Tissue Cells

Parenchyma Cells

Parenchyma cells are the most abundant type of dermal tissue cell. They are responsible for various functions, including:

• Photosynthesis: Parenchyma cells contain chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis.
• Storage: Parenchyma cells can store nutrients and water.
• Support: Parenchyma cells provide support to the plant's structure.

However, parenchyma cells are not responsible for preventing water loss or controlling gas exchange.

Collenchyma Cells

Collenchyma cells are a type of dermal tissue cell that provides support to the plant's structure. They are characterized by the presence of pectin, a type of carbohydrate that provides rigidity to the cell wall. Collenchyma cells are not responsible for preventing water loss or controlling gas exchange.

Sclerenchyma Cells

Sclerenchyma cells are a type of dermal tissue cell that provides additional support to the plant's structure. They are characterized by the presence of thick, lignified cell walls. Sclerenchyma cells are not responsible for preventing water loss or controlling gas exchange.

Guard Cells

Guard cells are a type of dermal tissue cell that plays a crucial role in controlling gas exchange. They are responsible for regulating the opening and closing of stomata, which are small openings on the surface of the plant that allow for gas exchange. Guard cells are sensitive to changes in light, temperature, and humidity, and they adjust the size of the stomata accordingly.

Companion Cells

Companion cells are a type of dermal tissue cell that are associated with sieve cells in the phloem tissue. They play a crucial role in loading and unloading sugars and other nutrients into and out of the phloem tissue. Companion cells are not responsible for preventing water loss or controlling gas exchange.

Phloem Cells

Phloem cells are a type of dermal tissue cell that are responsible for transporting sugars and other nutrients throughout the plant. They are composed of sieve cells, companion cells, and phloem fibers. Phloem cells are not responsible for preventing water loss or controlling gas exchange.

In conclusion, the dermal tissue of plants is composed of various types of cells, each with unique functions and characteristics. While parenchyma cells, collenchyma cells, and sclerenchyma cells provide support to the plant's structure, guard cells are responsible for controlling gas exchange. The correct answer to the question is D. Guard cells.

Key Takeaways

• Dermal tissue cells are classified into three main types: epidermal cells, hypodermal cells, and peridermal cells.
• Parenchyma cells are responsible for photosynthesis, storage, and support.
• Collenchyma cells provide support to the plant's structure.
• Sclerenchyma cells provide additional support to the plant's structure.
• Guard cells control gas exchange by regulating the opening and closing of stomata.
• Companion cells are associated with sieve cells in the phloem tissue and play a crucial role in loading and unloading sugars and other nutrients.
• Phloem cells are responsible for transporting sugars and other nutrients throughout the plant.

• Biology for Dummies by Donna Rae Siegfried
• Plant Biology by Peter H. Raven and George B. Johnson
• Botany: An Introduction to Plant Biology by James E. Evert, Susan E. Eichhorn, and Thomas L. Sharkey
  Q&A: Understanding Plant Dermal Tissue Cells

In our previous article, we explored the different types of dermal tissue cells and identified which ones are responsible for preventing water loss and controlling gas exchange. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about plant dermal tissue cells.

Q: What is the main function of epidermal cells?

A: Epidermal cells form the outermost layer of the plant, providing protection against water loss, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical damage.

Q: What is the difference between hypodermal cells and peridermal cells?

A: Hypodermal cells are located beneath the epidermal cells and play a crucial role in supporting the plant's structure. Peridermal cells, on the other hand, are responsible for forming the bark of the plant, providing additional protection against water loss and mechanical damage.

Q: What is the role of parenchyma cells in the plant?

A: Parenchyma cells are responsible for various functions, including photosynthesis, storage, and support.

Q: What is the function of collenchyma cells?

A: Collenchyma cells provide support to the plant's structure by producing pectin, a type of carbohydrate that provides rigidity to the cell wall.

Q: What is the role of sclerenchyma cells in the plant?

A: Sclerenchyma cells provide additional support to the plant's structure by producing thick, lignified cell walls.

Q: What is the function of guard cells?

A: Guard cells control gas exchange by regulating the opening and closing of stomata, which are small openings on the surface of the plant that allow for gas exchange.

Q: What is the role of companion cells?

A: Companion cells are associated with sieve cells in the phloem tissue and play a crucial role in loading and unloading sugars and other nutrients.

Q: What is the function of phloem cells?

A: Phloem cells are responsible for transporting sugars and other nutrients throughout the plant.

Q: Why are dermal tissue cells important?

A: Dermal tissue cells are essential for the survival of the plant, as they provide protection against water loss, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical damage, and control gas exchange.

Q: Can you give an example of a plant that has a unique dermal tissue cell structure?

A: Yes, the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) has a unique dermal tissue cell structure that allows it to capture insects. The plant has modified epidermal cells that form a trap, which is triggered by the movement of an insect.

Q: How do plants adapt to their environment through dermal tissue cells?

A: Plants adapt to their environment through dermal tissue cells by producing specialized cells that provide protection against water loss, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical damage, and controlling gas exchange.

In conclusion, dermal tissue cells play a crucial role in the survival of plants. By understanding the different types of dermal tissue cells and their functions, we can appreciate the complexity and diversity of plant biology.

Key Takeaways

• Epidermal cells form the outermost layer of the plant, providing protection against water loss, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical damage.
• Hypodermal cells and peridermal cells provide support to the plant's structure.
• Parenchyma cells are responsible for photosynthesis, storage, and support.
• Collenchyma cells provide support to the plant's structure by producing pectin.
• Sclerenchyma cells provide additional support to the plant's structure by producing thick, lignified cell walls.
• Guard cells control gas exchange by regulating the opening and closing of stomata.
• Companion cells are associated with sieve cells in the phloem tissue and play a crucial role in loading and unloading sugars and other nutrients.
• Phloem cells are responsible for transporting sugars and other nutrients throughout the plant.

• Biology for Dummies by Donna Rae Siegfried
• Plant Biology by Peter H. Raven and George B. Johnson
• Botany: An Introduction to Plant Biology by James E. Evert, Susan E. Eichhorn, and Thomas L. Sharkey