Question

Cortex lies between
A. epidermis and endodermis
B. endodermis and pith
C. hypodermis and endodermis
D. epidermis and stele

Answer 1

The study of internal plant structures is termed as plant anatomy or in other words phytotomy. The study of anatomy helps in aiding the relationship between ecology, taxonomy, function of plants, genetics, and plant structure.

Complete answer:
Cortex is a type of unspecialized tissue that is present below the epidermal layer but on the outer side of the vascular bundle. The cortex consists of large thin- walled parenchyma cells of the tissue system and there is little or almost no structural differentiation. The cortical cells on the outer side after a passage of time develop irregular thick walls and then are known as collenchyma cells. Few outer cells can also contain chloroplast in them. It also makes a layer of cells that creates cork. The inner part of the cortical cells is termed as endodermis.

The central part of the stem or root, in a vascular plant, is known as stele. The vascular bundle consists of tissues that are derived via procambium. Outside the stele, endodermis is present, which is the inner layer of the cortex. The cortex is present in between the vascular bundle that helps in the transportation of food and nutrients and the epidermis which is the outermost layer of the plant that protects the inner plant tissues.

Therefore, it is clear that the cortex lies between the epidermis and the stele.
Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: The cortex helps in transporting materials in the central cylinder of roots via diffusion. In addition to it, it can be used for storing food in the form of starch. The cortex stores carbohydrates or some other substances such as tannins, essential oils, latex, and resins.