Explain the internal structure/anatomy of root of cycas.With diagram
Answers
Explanation:
The genus cycas is the most widely distributed genus of the order cycadales. There are about 20 species which grow in the wilderness in China, Japan, Australia, Africa, Nepal, Bangladesh, Burma and India. C. circinalis, C. pectinata, C. rumphii and C. beddomei, are found in the wilderness in India. C. revoluta is grown in gardens in India.
Species of Cycas are of considerable economic importance. Starch is extracted from several species of cycas. Young succulent leaves are used as vegetable in some parts of India. Several species of cycas are of medicinal value. The juice of young leaves of C. circinalis is used as a remedy for stomach disorders, flatulence, blood vomiting and skin diseases. The decoction of young seeds of this species is purgative and emetic. A tincture prepared from the seeds of C. revoluta is used to relieve headache, giddiness and sore throat.
Anatomy
Normal root: A cross section of normal root (fig) consists of epiblema, cortex and central vascular tissue.
Epiblema: It is composed of a single layer of thin-walled cells.
Cortex: It is a multilayered zone of thin-walled parenchymatous cells. These cells are filled with starch. Tannin cells and mucilage cells are also present in the cortex. The innermost layer of the cortex is endodermis. Pericycle is a multi-layered zone found next to endodermis.
