Endodermis is usually considered to be the innermost layer of the cortex. It is made up of a single layer of barrel-shaped cells which do not enclose intercellular spaces. The young endodermal cells possess a band of thickening which runs along their radial and tangential walls. This band of thickening is called Casparian strip. It is made up of both suberin and lignin. Casparian strips prevent plasmolysis of endodermal cells. Due to the presence of Casparian strips, the endodermal cells do not allow wall to wall movement of substances between cortex and pericycle. Substances must enter the cytoplasm of endodermal cells. As a result, endodermis functions as a biological check post.
Anatomy of Dicotyledonous and Monocotyledonous Plants
Dicot Root:
Dicot plants have the taproot system.
The outermost layer is called the epidermis. The epidermal cells sometimes project out which appear as the root hairs.
The epidermis is followed by the multi-layered cortex, loosely made of the parenchyma cells with intercellular spaces.
The inner layer of the cortex is called endodermis, which is tightly packed by the barrel shaped-cells.
Endodermis is followed by pericycle, which are a few layers of thick-walled parenchyma cells.
In dicots, the central pith is not distinct.
There are two to four xylem and phloem.
The xylem and phloem are remarked by a layer of parenchymatous cells known as conjunctive tissue.
Monocot Root:
Monocot roots do not show much difference in the anatomy from that of the dicot roots.
Monocot plants possess an adventitious root system.
As in the dicots, the epidermis forms the outermost layer, followed by cortex, pericycle, endodermis, vascular bundles (xylem and phloem) and pith (random order).
Pith is conspicuous and large.
The number of xylem in a monocot is six or more.
Secondary growth is not seen in the monocot plants.