Pericycle is a continuous process by which the root produces lateral roots. This process is helpful in secondary root growth. The function of Pericycle cells is to provide support, structure, and protection to the plant.
Pericycle of root produces lateral roots which help in the development of secondary root systems. The Pericycle thus maintains the meristematic activity. The endodermis is followed by the pericycle. This is a continuous layer but in some monocots, it is interrupted by the xylem and phloem. Pericycle gives rise to secondary meristem in roots
-Vascular cambium
-Cork cambium
The root branches are, therefore described as endogenous in origin. The pericycle is a nonvascular tissue layer surrounding the vascular tissues in plants which are further surrounded by the inner cortical layer endodermis.
In the case of monocots, the epicycles do not form cambium but produce only the lateral roots. The pericycle consists of the thin-walled parenchyma cells in the young root that later develop into thick-walled monocots. One of the most essential functions of the Pericycle is loading the xylem and initiation of lateral roots for secondary growth.
Also Read: Anatomy of Flowering Plants
List - I | List – II | ||
A. | Squamous Epithelium | i. | Goblet cells of alimentary canal |
B. | Ciliated Epithelium | ii. | Inner lining of pancreatic ducts |
C. | Glandular Epithelium | iii. | Walls of blood vessels |
D. | Compound Epithelium | iv. | Inner surface of Fallopian tubes |
The epidermal tissue system forms the outer-most covering of the whole plant body and comprises epidermal cells, stomata, and the epidermal appendages – the trichomes and hairs. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the primary plant body. It is made up of elongated, compactly arranged cells, which form a continuous layer. The epidermis is usually single-layered.
All tissues except the epidermis and vascular bundles constitute the ground tissue. It consists of simple tissues such as parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma. Parenchymatous cells are usually present in the cortex, pericycle, pith, and medullary rays, in the primary stems and roots. In leaves, the ground tissue consists of thin-walled chloroplast-containing cells and is called mesophyll.
The vascular system consists of complex tissues, the phloem, and the xylem. The xylem and phloem together constitute vascular bundles. In dicotyledonous stems, cambium is present between phloem and xylem. Such vascular bundles because of the presence of cambium possess the ability to form secondary xylem and phloem tissues and hence are called open vascular bundles. In the monocotyledons, the vascular bundles have no cambium present in them. Hence, since they do not form secondary tissues they are referred to as closed.
Read More: Plant Tissue