2.4 Dermal tissues and features

The dermal tissue is largely composed of squat more or less cubic dermal cells, but it also contains specialist guard cells around the stomata, and various trichomes and root hairs.

2.4.1 Cuticle

The cuticle is a layer of cutin and waxes external to and embedded in the cell wall on the exterior surface of the plant on stems and leaves.

Figure 2.14. Cuticle (red stained) and the underlying square dermal cells on the upper surface of a mesophyte leaf.
Figure 2.14. Cuticle (red stained) and the underlying square dermal cells on the upper surface of a mesophyte leaf.

2.4.2 Stomata, guard cells and trichomes

Figure 2.15. Stoma (S), (plural stomata) on the upper surface of a mesophyte leaf, in the middle of two guard cells (G).
Figure 2.15. Stoma (S), (plural stomata) on the upper surface of a mesophyte leaf, in the middle of two guard cells (G). An epidermal hair or trichome can also be seen (E).
Figure 2.16. Stomate on the surface of a sunflower leaf
Figure 2.16. Stomate on the surface of a sunflower leaf.
Figure 2.17. Trichomes and stomata
Figure 2.17. Trichomes and stomata on the surface of a sunflower leaf (left) and tomato leaf (right).

Figure 2.18. Stomata across Tradescantia pallida.

Figure 2.19. Stomata across the surface of the epidermis of the leaf of Tradescantia pallida.
Figures 2.18 and 2.19. Stomata across the surface of the epidermis of the leaf of Tradescantia pallida.

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