Chapter 22, Problem 10A

Summary Introduction

Introduction :

Plants have many different tissues with specific function in different parts. They function together to provide food production and storage; give flexibility, support, and strength to the plants. Parenchyma is the most flexible and thin cell found in the plants. The plant tissue includes meristematic tissue that involve in producing new cells throughout the lives of a plant, dermal tissue that is also considered as epidermis, it forms cuticles that help to reduce loss of water. Trichomes are the epidermal cells that are hairlike and produce in leaves and stems. It gives the leaves and stems a fuzzy appearance to provide protection against predators, it is also involved in maintaining the optimal temperature keep it cool. Root hairs are other epidermal cells that are found in roots. This is involved in the increasing the surface area of roots.

Explanation of Solution

Comparison between trichome and root hair:

Trichome	Root hair
• Trichomes are found in stems and leaves of the plants	• Root hairs are found in young roots near the tips.
• Trichomes are unicellular as well as multicellular and either branched or unbranched.	• Root hairs are unicellular and unbranched.
• They consist of living or dead cells.	• They consist of living cells.
• They have large cytoplasm compared to root hairs.	• They have very tiny cytoplasm in their cells.
• They are cutinized.	• They are not cutinized.
• They are found either as group or single.	• They are found in a cluster form.
• They control the rate of transpiration.	• They absorb water and minerals from the soil.

Conclusion

Trichomes are found in leaves and stems, are either unicellular or multicellular and branched or unbranched. Whereas, the root hairs are found in the tips of young roots in a clustered form and are unicellular and unbranched.