Endodermis takes part in
(a) Providing protection
(b) Preventing water loss from stele
(c) maintaining rigidity
(d) All the above

Options

A. Providing protectin
B. Preventing water loss from stele
C. maintaining rigidity
D. All the above

Answer

To solve the question regarding the functions of the endodermis, we can analyze each option provided:

1. **Understanding the Endodermis**:
- The endodermis is the innermost layer of the cortex in roots and dicot stems. It consists of a single layer of barrel-shaped, thick-walled cells.

2. **Analyzing Option (a) Providing protection**:
- The endodermis does provide a protective barrier, but its primary function is not solely protection. It acts more as a selective barrier.

3. **Analyzing Option (b) Preventing water loss from stele**:
- The endodermis has specialized structures called Casparian strips, which are subarised thickenings that help prevent the outflow of water and minerals from the stele. This is a significant function of the endodermis.

4. **Analyzing Option (c) Maintaining rigidity**:
- While the endodermis contributes to the overall structure of the plant, its primary role is not maintaining rigidity. Other tissues, such as sclerenchyma, are more responsible for this function.

5. **Analyzing Option (d) All the above**:
- Since options (a) and (c) are not the primary functions of the endodermis, option (d) cannot be correct.

6. **Conclusion**:
- The most accurate answer is option (b) Preventing water loss from stele, as this is a primary function of the endodermis due to the presence of Casparian strips.

**Final Answer**: (b) Preventing water loss from stele.

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