Chemical Composition of the Epidermal, Hypodermal, Endodermal and Intervening Cortical Cell Walls of Various Plant Roots

A survey of chemical modifications in the cells of the epidermis, hypodermis, cortical parenchyma and endodermis in roots of 27 plant species was performed. Cortical parenchyma walls were generally free of modifying substances whereas the walls of the epidermis, hypodermis and endodermis were usually modified by the presence of lipids, phenols, suberin or lignin. In most cases, wall-modifying components could be detected within 5 mm of the root apex.