Here's a breakdown:
* Cork cambium: This is a lateral meristem (a type of plant tissue responsible for growth) found in woody plants. It produces new cells both inwards (towards the center of the stem) and outwards (towards the surface).
* Cork cells: The cells produced outwards by the cork cambium are called cork cells. They are dead at maturity, with their cytoplasm replaced by suberin, a waxy substance that makes them waterproof and resistant to decay.
* Function: Cork cells form the protective outer layer of a plant's bark, providing insulation, protection from water loss, and resistance to pests and diseases.
Therefore, even though cork cells are dead, they are still considered plant cells because they:
1. Originate from living plant tissue
2. Have a cell wall, a characteristic of plant cells
In essence, cork cells are like the "skin" of a tree, and their unique properties come from their origins as plant cells and their subsequent modifications during development.
