dermal tissue

plant anatomy

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Dermal tissue, also known as the epidermis, is the outermost protective layer of a plant's primary body, including its roots, stems, and leaves. This layer is typically one cell thick and lacks chloroplasts.12

Key functions of dermal tissue include:
* Protection: It acts as a barrier against mechanical injury and infection.2
* Water Regulation: A waxy layer called the cuticle, formed from cutin and waxes, covers the epidermis. This layer minimizes water loss through transpiration, with thicker coatings in arid environments.13
* Gas Exchange: Specialized cells called guard cells surround pores called stomata. These stomata regulate the intake of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen and water vapor.14
* Defense and Absorption: Trichomes, or plant hairs, can help reflect solar radiation, reduce water loss, absorb water and minerals, deter herbivores, or secrete substances.1

In woody plants, the epidermis is eventually replaced by periderm, a secondary protective tissue.1

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angiosperm
Dermal tissue
The dermal tissue system—the epidermis—is the outer protective layer of the primary plant body (the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds). The epidermis is usually one cell layer thick, and its cells lack chloroplasts.
Read More
The dermal tissue system—the epidermis—is the outer protective layer of the primary plant body (the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds). The epidermis is usually one cell layer thick, and its cells lack chloroplasts.
Read More

tissue
Plants
Primary dermal tissues, called epidermis, make up the outer layer of all plant organs (e.g., stems, roots, leaves, flowers). They help deter excess water loss and invasion by insects and microorganisms. The vascular tissues are of two kinds: water-transporting xylem and food-transporting phloem. Primary xylem and…
Read More
Primary dermal tissues, called epidermis, make up the outer layer of all plant organs (e.g., stems, roots, leaves, flowers). They help deter excess water loss and invasion by insects and microorganisms. The vascular tissues are of two kinds: water-transporting xylem and food-transporting phloem. Primary xylem and…
Read More