What is the function of the epidermis in the leaf?
Epidermal tissue is made up of cells forming the outer surface of the leaves and of the young plant body. In the leaf the the upper epidermis covers the mesophyll that consists of palisade & spongy parenchyma. Thick waxy cuticle on the outer surface of the leaf is produced by epidermal cells. The cuticle prevents transpiration and yet permits light transmission. Further this cuticle acts to prevent water and dirt from accumulating on the leaf’s surface where algae might grow and block light from reaching the chloroplasts. Leaf hairs (trichome cell) are specialized epidermal cells that limit insect damage by providing a mechanical barrier to stop them from chewing the leaf. Hairs also function to create a slow air flow across a leaf’s surface and slow the evaporative transpiration rate. Dense hair coats can shade the plant protecting it from harsh sunlight in arid settings. Plant hairs can even be glandular and secrete oils, resins or other substances for protection. These hairs can eve
