Question

how does the cork act as a protective tissue?

Answer 1

Cork is protective in function it protects underlying tissues from loss of water from the plant body , infection and mechanical injury.

The cork cells are dead and filled with tannins, resins & air and do not have and intercellular spaces. It is light and does not catch fire easily.
The cell walls of the cork cells are coated with suberin. Suberin is a waxy substance. Suberin make these cells impermeable to water and gases.
Due to this properties cork is used as insulators shock absorbers uses flooring and in making of sports goods (shuttlecocks , cricket balls e.t.c) .

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Hope this will help you......

Answer 2

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Cork acts as a protective tissue because its cells are dead and compactly arranged without intercellular spaces. They have deposition of suberin on the walls that make them impervious to gases and water.