Cork cambium

Definition

Cork cambium is a type of lateral meristem in plants responsible for the production of cork cells, which form the outer protective layer of stems and roots. This tissue plays a crucial role in the secondary growth of plants, allowing them to increase in girth and providing protection against environmental factors. Cork cambium contributes significantly to the plant body's structural integrity and helps in the formation of periderm, which replaces the epidermis as the plant grows.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cork cambium is located between the phloem and cork cells, and its activity is crucial for forming protective layers as the plant matures.
2. The cork cells produced by cork cambium are dead at maturity, providing an effective barrier against water loss and pathogens.
3. Cork cambium is responsible for producing suberin, a waxy substance that makes cork cells impermeable to water and gases.
4. In some plants, cork cambium can become active again after being dormant, allowing for continued growth in response to environmental changes.
5. The presence of cork cambium marks a significant adaptation in woody plants, enabling them to survive in varied climates and conditions by enhancing their structural support and protection.

Review Questions

• How does cork cambium contribute to the overall growth and protection of a plant?
  • Cork cambium plays a vital role in a plant's growth by facilitating secondary growth through the production of cork cells. These cells form a protective outer layer that shields the plant from environmental stressors such as pests, diseases, and excessive water loss. Additionally, as plants grow thicker, cork cambium ensures that new layers of cork are generated to maintain this protective barrier.
• Discuss how cork cambium differs from vascular cambium in terms of function and tissue produced.
  • Cork cambium and vascular cambium serve different functions in a plant's secondary growth. While cork cambium produces cork cells that form the outer protective layer known as periderm, vascular cambium generates secondary xylem and phloem which are essential for transporting water, nutrients, and sugars within the plant. This distinction highlights how each type of cambium contributes to different aspects of plant structure and function during growth.
• Evaluate the importance of cork cambium in woody plants’ adaptation to their environments.
  • Cork cambium is crucial for woody plants as it enables them to adapt effectively to their environments by producing a robust protective layer against harsh weather conditions, pests, and diseases. The dead cork cells created by this meristem are filled with suberin, making them water-resistant and preventing moisture loss. This adaptation not only enhances survival but also allows woody plants to thrive in diverse ecosystems where they might face significant environmental challenges.

Related terms

Periderm:

The protective tissue that replaces the epidermis in stems and roots during secondary growth, consisting of cork, cork cambium, and phelloderm.

Secondary Growth: The increase in thickness or girth of a plant, primarily through the activity of lateral meristems like cork cambium and vascular cambium.

Vascular Cambium: A type of lateral meristem that produces secondary xylem (wood) and secondary phloem, contributing to the overall growth and support of the plant.