Question

Innermost layer of cortex is
A) Pericycle
B) Endodermis
C) Cutinised
D) Suberised

Answer 1

The cortex consists entirely of the ground tissue system’s large thin-walled parenchyma cells and displays little to no structural distinction.

Complete answer:
A cortex, residing below the epidermis but above the vascular cords, is an outer layer of a stem or root of a plant. It is also the surface coating or "skin" of certain lichens in the non-fruiting portion of the body. Now, let us find the solution from the options-
- The pericycle, named for its location, is a special layer of cells in plants that surrounds the vascular tissue in the roots and stems. Thus option A is not the correct option.
- The root has different layers of cells. The cortical layer is considered the endodermis, and is located on the innermost edge. Endodermis cells are barrel-formed cells. These cells are densely bound, suberized, and are named casparian strips for their thickening. There are some cells called passage cells that are not suberised.
- Typically, the outer cortical cells gain unusually thickened cell walls and are referred to as collenchyma cells. Chloroplasts may include some of the external cortical cells. Thus, option C is not the correct option.
- Some cells of the cortex are called passage cells that are not suberised. Thus, option D is not the correct option.
Thus, the correct answer is option (B) Endodermis.

Note: The cortex forms layers of cork-forming cells. It is capable of moving materials by diffusion through the root’s central cylinder and can also be used in the form of starch for food preservation.