Question

The hypodermis present in maize stem is
(a)Parenchymatous
(b)Collenchymatous
(c)Sclerenchymatous
(d)Meristematic

Answer 1

Hint These cells are elongated, dead cells with lignin collected in their cell wall. They have no intercellular gaps. They are found in the covering of seeds and nuts, around the vascular tissues in stems, and the veins of leaves. They provide strength to the plant.

Complete answer:
The hypodermis is a part of the outer protective layer within the plant. It is placed below the epidermis. The hypodermis is particularly well grown in plants of arid areas and in those with shallow root systems. It also deters the entrance of soil microorganisms. Monocot stem's hypodermis is an area situated immediately below the epidermis. It is represented by a couple of layers of compactly arranged sclerenchyma cells. Maize is an example of monocot, where Sclerenchymatous cells are thick-walled dead lignified cells without any secretory function. These cells jointly with collenchyma create a major portion of the mechanical tissues of the plant.

Additional information:
Parenchymatous cells contain thin-walled polyhedral, isodiametric living cells with enough cytoplasm, and one or multi nuclei. Collenchymatous cells possess thick non lignified walls that give mechanical support and tensile strength to the developing organs. Cells with the ability to supply new cells are said to possess the meristematic activity and are termed as meristematic cells. Maize stem has a single-layered epidermis that is roofed with a well-developed cuticle. It comes after through sclerenchymatous hypodermis which is five to seven layers thick outer cortical area which in turn surrounds aerenchymatous ground tissues.

So, the correct answer is ‘Sclerenchymatous’.

Note: A multilayered hypodermis is present just below the epidermis. The hypodermis is usually collenchymatous in dicots plants and sclerenchymatous in monocots plants. Sclerenchyma cells have thick lignified secondary walls and sometimes die when mature. They are present in the wooden part or hard stem of the plant. In monocot roots, sclerenchyma cells are often found in tissues where growth has stopped. There are two sorts of sclerenchyma cells, fibers, and sclereids, which are dead at maturity and have thick, lignified cell walls.