Cork cells are dead and compactly arranged without intercellular spaces. They contain a substance called suberin in their walls, which makes them impervious to gases and water. Cork tissue serves as a protective barrier against environmental stresses such as physical damage, water loss, and pathogen invasion.
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Cork cells, found in the outer bark of woody plants, have unique characteristics that contribute to plant protection. Cork cells are dead at maturity and possess a thick, impermeable cell wall containing suberin, a waxy substance. This structure provides cork with resistance against microbial decay, water loss, and mechanical damage. The suberized walls create a protective barrier, making cork cells an essential component of the plant’s defense against pathogens, insects, and environmental stressors. The cork cambium, a meristematic tissue, continually produces cork cells, ensuring the plant’s long-term protection and structural integrity.