Endodermis

What Does Endodermis Mean?

Endodermis is the principal, innermost layer of cells in a root. It consists of rings of endodermal cells that regulate water uptake. This layer is the boundary between the plant's stele and cortex.

Besides regulating water intake, the endodermis helps with hormone and ion movement into and out of the root’s vascular system. It also protects the plant from absorbing toxins into the vascular structure.

Maximum Yield Explains Endodermis

The endodermis is a layer of cells that regulate the movement of materials in and out of the root.

The root of a plant is composed of a variety of layers, each having its own function to promote the overall health of the plant. Most of these layers work together to absorb nutrients and water for the normal functioning of the plant. However, the endodermis has a unique function to help protect against water saturation. The endodermis cells are typically thickened on four sides radial and have a waxy substance that assists its functioning. Before water can pass into the plant’s Casparian strip, it must go through the endodermis. This layer does not allow gas bubbles to penetrate the xylem and therefore helps to prevent a clot or air bubbles.

The endodermis also aids nutrients absorption by preventing absorbed nutrients from finding their way back to the soil.

In some cases, the endodermis can be used to store starch. In such cases, the endodermis may be referred to as a starch sheath.