Question

The ________ forces selective uptake of minerals in the root.

a. pericycle

b. epidermis

c. endodermis

d. root cap

Short answer

c. endodermis

Step-by-step solution

Step-1 Introduction

Root systems in plants are very advanced and play various roles in plant growth and development. It supports the plant by providing anchorage. There are various modifications of root for different purposes which play different functions such as storage, and support.

Step-2 Explanation

The endodermis acts as a checkpoint for the materials to be transferred to the vascular system of the root. Suberin is present on the walls of the endodermal cells which is a waxy material and the strips present in this region are called the Casparian strip. The Casparian strip allows the water and solutes to cross the plasma membranes. This ensures the selective permeability of the membrane. It only allows the materials that are required by the root to pass whereas the toxic substances and pathogens are generally excluded.

The pericycle gives rise to the lateral root system. These are the smaller roots extended horizontally from primary root.

The epidermis is the outermost layer of leaves, stem, and root that provides protection.

The root cap is the covering on the tip of the root which protects the root against environmental stress.

Step-3  Final Answer

Therefore, the correct option is ‘c’.

Endodermis acts as a checkpoint and forces the selective uptake by the root.