The waxy _____ ensures that all of the water coming into a root moves into the xylem.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Casparian strip is a specialized structure found in the roots of plants, particularly in the endodermis layer of the root cortex. It is a band of waxy material that encircles the cell walls of endodermal cells, forming a water-impermeable barrier. This forces water and dissolved minerals to pass through the plasma membrane and other selectively permeable membranes of the endodermal cells, where they can be actively transported into the xylem. As a result, the Casparian strip helps to regulate the movement of water and minerals into the plant, ensuring that they are taken up efficiently and selectively. The cuticle (A) and epidermis (B) are also involved in regulating water movement, but they do not have the same specialized structure and function as the Casparian strip. Sieve tubes (D) and companion cells (E) are part of the phloem tissue in plants and are not directly involved in regulating water movement in the roots.

The Waxy _____ Ensures That All of the Water Coming