Question

The epidermis in desert plants is covered by waxy coating. Name the substance that constitutes the coating. State three advantages of this coating.

CBSE Class IX Science SA 1 ( 2 marks)

Answer 1

The answer is Cutin.
Advantages : Waterproof quality, protection against—loss of water, mechanical injury, invasion of parasitic fungi.

Answer 2

Answer: Cuticle.

Explanation:

The plants are covered with spores named stomata. They are used for transpiration. The plants in desert generally require more water than necessary. Thus, the plants cannot afford to lose water through transpiration.

Thus, the plants in arid region are covered with waxy coat which is a constituent of fatty acid (carboxylic mechanism). The plants get protected from UV radiations and the water loss can be reduced to a considerable amount. The wax coating always look in a bluish color.