NEET 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: -The cuticles are protective, hydrophobic, waxy coverings produced by the epidermal cells of leaves, young shoots and all other aerial plant organs. Cuticles minimize water loss and effectively reduce pathogen entry due to their waxy secretion.

Detailed explanation-3: -A cuticle is a non-cellular waxy layer secreted by epidermal cells. It protects the epidermis and reduces water loss.

Detailed explanation-4: -Plant cuticle is the outermost layer of plants, which covers leaves, fruits, flowers, and non-woody stems of higher plants. It protects plants against drought, extreme temperatures, UV radiation, chemical attack, mechanical injuries, and pathogen/pest infection.

Detailed explanation-5: -Upper Epidermis The waxy cuticle is a thin layer atop the epidermis. Its function is to reduce the water lost from the leaf. In arid (dry) conditions this cuticle layer can be quite thick.