AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Chloroplasts are absent in both epidermal and cork cells.

Detailed explanation-2: -So, the correct answer is ‘Companion cells.

Detailed explanation-3: -The main difference between epidermal cells and cork cells is that epidermal cells cover the entire plant body during primary growth whereas cork cells cover the stem and root of the plant after the secondary growth of the plant. Epidermal cells are found in leaves and other immature parts of the plant.

Detailed explanation-4: -Final answer: Conduction of water is not the function of the epidermis.

Detailed explanation-5: -Epidermal cells are arranged in a single layer to cover the whole plant body during primary growth. Cork cells are produced by the cork cambium during secondary growth of plants. Both epidermal cells and cork cells contain water-repellent substances to prevent the water loss from the plant body.