Name the cell types that make up each tissue and briefly describe the function of each cell type in the tissue of eudicot root
1. Epidermis: The epidermal cells form the outermost layer of the root and help in protecting the root from damage and also help in absorption of water and minerals through root hairs.
2. Cortex: The cortex cells lie just below the epidermis and mainly consist of parenchyma cells. These cells store food, water and minerals and also transport them to other parts of the plant.
3. Endodermis: The endodermis forms a single layer of cells adjacent to the cortex. These cells have a thick, impermeable layer called the Casparian strip which regulates the entry of water and minerals into the inner layers of the root.
4. Pericycle: The pericycle cells are located just inside the endodermis and give rise to lateral roots. These cells undergo mitotic divisions to form new root branches.
5. Xylem: The xylem tissue comprises of tracheary elements, fibers and parenchyma cells. The tracheary elements are long, dead cells which form a continuous network of tubes for transport of water and minerals from the root to other parts of the plant.
6. Phloem: The phloem tissue comprises of sieve tubes, companion cells and parenchyma cells. The sieve tubes are specialized cells which transport organic compounds from the leaves to other parts of the plant. The companion cells provide support and metabolic assistance to the sieve tubes.