What is plant cuticle?

Plant cuticle is a kind of wax like membrane covering leaf surface and other plant skin tissue on the ground The cuticle is composed of waxy and polymeric materials such as ω - hydroxy acids, esters, epoxy derivatives, and hydrophobic aliphatic compounds such as cutin and gum membranes Cutin is a polyester polymer, while gum film is a hydrocarbon polymer; these two substances provide plants with the ability to thrive in the air environment The main function of cuticle is to prevent water loss of plants, but it also helps other skin tissues to prevent infection In fact, the function of plant cuticle is similar to that of human skin In addition to avoiding the loss of too much water, it is also a barrier against specific bacteria, fungi and other harmful organic substances Its membrane covers the upper and lower sides of the leaf, other skin parts, and forms the epidermis of plant tissue The cuticle above the leaves is usually thicker than below, because this side is exposed to more sunlight, wind and pests Under the protective cuticle are the upper and lower epidermis, and the mesophyll, which can convert light into energy by plant cells during photosynthesis If there is no cuticle, more water supply is needed to counteract the loss of evaporation Some young plants and twigs are difficult to survive without the protection provided by cuticle against bacterial or other microbial infection As part of the plant stem axis system, these plant components are located above the soil and consist of dense cells called epidermal cells Epidermal cells secrete waxy polymers and other substances that make up the cuticle of plants and help them retain water Soluble waxes and polymers secreted by epidermal cells are distributed on the whole surface of leaf and stem, forming protective cuticle for these plant parts in the process of development and growth Not all plants produce cuticles Plants with periderm (also known as bark) have a cuticle system commonly found in woody plants called bark These plants have an inner epidermis, such as the green and bark, and a dead outer layer of the epidermis (also known as the cortex or bark) Trees and other woody plants, some types of vines and shrubs, have periderm, not epidermis.