Verified Solution Biology Anatomy of Flowering Plants

In some dicot stems, particularly those with a parenchymatous cortex, a distinct layer resembling the endodermis of roots may be present. This layer is sometimes called the 'starch sheath' because its cells contain abundant starch grains. This layer's primary significance, when present, is:

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Solution ✔ Verified
  • ATo provide mechanical support to the cortex.
  • BTo serve as a boundary for the stele and regulate radial transport, similar to a root endodermis.
  • CTo synthesize and store secondary metabolites.
  • DTo facilitate gaseous exchange within the stem.
Explanation

A starch sheath, often homologous to the endodermis, can be found in some dicot stems. Like the root endodermis, it acts as a boundary for the stele and plays a role in regulating the movement of substances into the vascular cylinder, though without Casparian strips.

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