Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Cuticle Layer of a Plant


In this photo, the water droplets seen gathered upon the leaf are being repelled by the leaf's cuticle layer. The cuticle layer is a protective cover made up of lipid and hydrocarbon polymers, turning it into a waxy, hydrophobic film. It exists just above the epidermal cells. The layer's purpose is to protect the epidermal cells, ensuring the leaf doesn't lose an excess amount of water. This allows the leaves to conserve water in climates that are fairly dry. 

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