the casparian strip in plant roots is correctly described by which of the following?
The Casparian Strip in Plant Roots
Answer:
The Casparian strip is a band of impermeable, waterproof lignin and suberin located in the cell walls of the endodermis in plant roots. This strip runs perpendicular to the root surface, encircling each individual cell of the endodermis. Its main function is to regulate the flow of water and nutrients into the vascular system of the plant.
The Casparian strip ensures that all water and solutes must pass through the selectively permeable plasma membranes of cells, rather than slipping between cells. This forces the plant to actively transport essential nutrients into its vascular system, allowing for better control over what substances enter the plant.
Overall, the Casparian strip plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the plant’s vascular system by acting as a barrier that helps prevent the entry of harmful substances while selectively allowing the passage of essential nutrients.