Biological termEasy1 mark
1(a)
Name the following:
The wax-like layer on the epidermis of leaves which reduces transpiration.
Topic: Cuticle
Previous-year question practice database
Answer
Exam answer
The CUTICLE (cutin).
Explanation
The cuticle is a waxy, waterproof layer secreted by the epidermal cells over the leaf surface. Being impermeable, it greatly reduces the water lost directly through the epidermis — cuticular transpiration.
It is THICKEST ON THE UPPER SURFACE, which faces direct sunlight and would otherwise lose water fastest — and thicker still in desert plants, as a xerophytic adaptation.
The three kinds of transpiration by amount: STOMATAL about 90%, CUTICULAR small, LENTICULAR least.
More from Transpiration
Assertion (A): A thick cuticle reduces transpiration by acting as a barrier.
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