What is the Difference Between Pericycle and Endodermis?

The pericycle and endodermis are both layers of cells found in plants, but they have different structures and serve different purposes. Here are the main differences between the two:

• Description: The pericycle is a cell layer that encircles the vascular bundles, while the endodermis is referred to as the cortex's innermost layer.
• Layers: The pericycle is multilayered, composed of sclerenchymatous or parenchymatous cells. In contrast, the endodermis is a single-layered structure, primarily composed of parenchymatous cells.
• Location: The pericycle lies between the endodermis and vascular bundles, while the endodermis lies between the pericycle and cortex.
• Function: The pericycle serves to set the stele apart from the root or stem's other cells, shields the vascular bundles in dicot roots, generates lateral roots, and contributes to the plant's secondary growth by morphing into cork cambium. The endodermis primarily controls the flow of water and dissolved solutes through the endodermal layer, regulating the inflow or outflow of water from the xylem. It also contains embedded starch granules, known as amyloplasts, which serve as food storage sites.

In summary, the pericycle and endodermis are both cell layers in plants, but they have distinct structures and functions. The pericycle encircles the vascular bundles and plays a role in lateral root initiation and secondary growth, while the endodermis is the innermost layer of the cortex and helps regulate the flow of water and dissolved substances.

Comparative Table: Pericycle vs Endodermis

The pericycle and endodermis are both cell layers found in plant roots, but they have different functions and locations within the root. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between the two:

The pericycle is a layer of cells that surrounds the stele in the root or stem of plants, and it is made up of sclerenchymatous or parenchymatous cells. The pericycle can produce lateral roots during growth, and in dicot roots, it protects the vascular bundles. The endodermis, on the other hand, is the innermost cortical cell layer and serves as a boundary between the cortex and the stele. The endodermis primarily controls the flow of water and dissolved solutes through the plant, and its cells contain embedded starch granules known as amyloplasts, which serve as food storage sites.