The walls of cork cells are heavily thickened with an organic substance,suberin, Suberin makes these cellsimpervious to water and gases.....

Suberin is a waxy substance that is found in the cell walls of certain plant tissues, such as cork. It is a complex polymer that plays a vital role in protecting plants from various environmental stresses. One of the key properties of suberin is its imperviousness to water and gases.

Explanation:
1. Imperviousness to Water: Suberin forms a water-resistant barrier in the plant cell walls, preventing the entry of water into the underlying tissues. This is particularly important in cork cells, which are dead and lack the ability to regulate water uptake. The suberin layer in cork acts as a waterproofing agent, preventing water loss from the plant and protecting it from excessive dehydration.

2. Imperviousness to Gases: Suberin also acts as a barrier to gases, preventing their movement through the plant tissues. This is essential for plants that grow in waterlogged or anaerobic conditions, where the availability of oxygen is limited. The suberin layer in the roots, for example, prevents the entry of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, ensuring that the plant can obtain oxygen from the atmosphere and release excess carbon dioxide.

3. Importance for Plant Survival: The impervious nature of suberin to water and gases is crucial for the survival of plants in various environments. For example, in deserts where water is scarce, suberin helps plants retain moisture by preventing excessive water loss through transpiration. In waterlogged areas, suberin in the roots prevents the entry of water, preventing the plant from drowning.

4. Unique Properties of Suberin: The imperviousness of suberin to both water and gases is due to its unique chemical structure. It contains fatty acid derivatives that form hydrophobic (water-repelling) and lipophilic (fat-repelling) regions, making it impermeable to both water and gases.

In conclusion, suberin is impervious to both water and gases, making it an essential component in plant tissues that require protection against excessive water loss or entry of gases. This property enables plants to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions and ensures their survival.