EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Plants have a waxy cuticle on their leaves to prevent desiccation, or drying out. Carbon dioxide and oxygen cannot pass through the cuticle, but move in and out of leaves through openings called stomata (stoma = “hole"). Guard cells control the opening and closing of stomata.

Detailed explanation-2: -Thick waxy cuticle: The cuticle cuts down water loss in two ways: it acts as a barrier to evaporation and also the shiny surface reflects heat and so lowers temperature. Sunken stomata: Stomata may be sunk in pits in the epidermis; moist air trapped here lengthens the diffusion pathway and reduces evaporation rate.

Detailed explanation-3: -Thick waxy cuticle: Unlike other plants, desert plants have a waxy cuticle layer in their leaves rather than having porous leaves without a waxy cuticle. This is an adaptation that helps keep water in the plant and reduce transpiration.

Detailed explanation-4: -The aerial surfaces of plants are covered by a protective barrier formed by the cutin polyester and waxes, collectively referred to as the cuticle. Plant cuticles prevent the loss of water, regulate transpiration, and facilitate the transport of gases and solutes.

Detailed explanation-5: -The cuticle is the major barrier against uncontrolled water loss from leaves, fruits and other primary parts of higher plants.