AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Answer: The waxy covering on plant leaves, young stems, and fruit is called the “cuticle". It is composed of cutin, a wax-like material produced by the plant that is chemically a hydroxy fatty acid. The purpose of this covering is to help the plant retain water.

Detailed explanation-2: -A waxy layer known as the cuticle covers the leaves of all plant species. The cuticle reduces the rate of water loss from the leaf surface. Other leaves may have small hairs (trichomes) on the leaf surface. Trichomes help to avert herbivory by restricting insect movements or by storing toxic or bad-tasting compounds.

Detailed explanation-3: -Most people have encountered what we call a waxy cuticle on leafy greens or aquatic lotuses, although it is found on stems and leaves of nearly all plants living on land. (Some mosses and other bryophytes are exceptions.) Kale has an especially obvious cuticle.

Detailed explanation-4: -Background: The plant epidermis is composed of functionally specialized cells, such as the valves on the leaf surface known as stomata, and is covered by the cuticle to prevent water loss.