Imporantance/role of endodermis in transport of substances

• Contains impermeable thickening of suberin called Casparian strip which forces water and solutes to cross the plasma membranes of endodermal cells instead of slipping between the cells, i.e. from apoplast pathway to symplast pathway enabling water to move n one direction
• It ensures that only materials required by the root pass through the endodermis, while toxic substances and pathogens are generally excluded.
• Builds up root pressure in the xylem by actively pumping mineral salts into the xylem which enable water to enter the xylem by osmosis.

Please find free downloadable notes, exams and marking guides of agriculture, biology, and chemistry from digitalteachers.co.ug website.

Dr. Bbosa Science