Question

Which cells form bark and cork cells in plants?

Answer 1

Bark and cork cells are dead cells of the plant. They do not involve any metabolic or transportation function of plants but provide structural support and protection to the plant. Thick barks are the result of the accumulation of these dead cells.

Complete answer:
The cork cambium forms bark and cork cells. The cork cambium is the secondary meristem which contains meristematic cells.
A major part of the bark in woody plants consists of cork cambium. Even though the phloem is made by the vascular cambium, the secondary phloem is also a constituent of the bark. The cork cambium primarily formed from the cortex as a continuous layer making spherically dividing cells.
The cork cells are the first cells observed under a microscope by Antonie Philips van Leeuwenhoek, who was a Dutch businessman. Sclerenchyma is cells that contain strong secondary walls and mostly die when they get mature. The major mechanical support to the plant is given by Sclerenchyma. The rings which form around the bark are the result of this, which also aids in identifying the age of the tree.

Note: -Parenchyma cells contain cell walls with fine primary walls and normally stay alive after they get mature. They produce filler tissue in the weak areas of plants and commonly present in areas such as cortex, pericycle, pith, etc.
-Collenchyma cells have narrow primary walls with certain parts with a secondary thickening. The extra mechanical and structural support especially in the regions of replication or elongation is provided by Collenchyma.
-Cork of the tree is widely used in many industries, from ancient times onwards cork cells are shaped and used for the bottles in the wine industry.