The epidermis is a single layer of cells that covers the leaves, flowers, roots, and stems of plants, forming a boundary between the plant and the external environment). The epidermis serves several functions, including:
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Protection: The epidermis provides a protective barrier against mechanical injury, water loss, and infection.
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Regulation of gas exchange: The epidermis regulates the gas exchange in plant cells.
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Secretion of metabolic compounds: The epidermis regulates the secretion of metabolic compounds.
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Absorption of water and mineral nutrients: Especially in roots, the epidermis absorbs water and mineral nutrients).
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Dorsoventral anatomy: The epidermis of most leaves shows dorsoventral anatomy, where the upper (adaxial) and lower (abaxial) surfaces have somewhat different construction and may serve different functions).
It is important to note that woody stems and some other stem structures such as potato tubers produce a secondary covering called the periderm that replaces the epidermis as the protective covering).
