What is the Difference Between Cortex and Epidermis in Plants?

The epidermis and cortex are two different tissues found in plants. The main differences between them are:

1. Position: The epidermis is the outermost cell layer of plants, covering the leaves, flowers, roots, and stems of plants. On the other hand, the cortex is an unspecialized cell layer that lies between the epidermis and the vascular bundles. In roots and some herbaceous stems, the innermost layer of cortical cells is differentiated into a cell layer called the endodermis.
2. Function: The epidermis provides protection and helps in absorption, as root hairs, which are extensions of root epidermal cells, increase the surface area of the root and contribute to the absorption of water and minerals. The cortex, on the other hand, provides structural support for the stems. In leaves, the tissue just inside the epidermis is called the mesophyll, which is the site of most photosynthesis reactions.
3. Cell Layers: The epidermis consists of a single cell layer, while the cortex consists of multiple cell layers.
4. Cell Types: The epidermis typically has few if any chloroplasts and is often made up of pavement cells. The cortex, however, is made up of three types of cells: parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma.

In summary, the epidermis and cortex are two distinct tissues in plants that serve different functions and are found in different locations within the plant structure. The epidermis is the outermost layer, providing protection and absorption, while the cortex lies beneath the epidermis and serves a structural support function.

Comparative Table: Cortex vs Epidermis in Plants

The main differences between the cortex and epidermis in plants are as follows: