Question

how does the cork act as a protective tissue?

Answer 1

The secondary meristem forms on its outer side several layered thick cork or the barks of the trees. Cork act as a protective tissue because (i) Its cells are dead and compactly arranged without intercellular spaces. (ii) They also have deposition of suberin on the walls that makes them impervious to gases and water.

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.