A chemical present in a cork cell is suberin.
Suberin: The Key Component of Cork Cell Walls
Cork cells are part of the protective tissue found in certain plants. The defining characteristic of these cells is the presence of suberin in their cell walls. This chemical is crucial to the properties of cork.
Understanding Suberin
- Definition: Suberin is a complex biopolymer composed primarily of fatty acids, glycerol, and phenolic compounds.
- Function: It is deposited in the cell walls of cork cells, making them waterproof and resistant to decay.
- Location: Suberin is primarily found in the cell walls of cork cells.
- Importance: It makes the protective tissue, i.e. cork, resistant to water damage.
Role of Suberin in Cork
The presence of suberin gives cork its unique qualities:
- Water impermeability: Suberin prevents water from passing through the cork, protecting the underlying tissues.
- Resistance to decay: The chemical nature of suberin makes cork resistant to microbial degradation.
- Elasticity: Suberin contributes to the flexible and resilient nature of cork.
