Cork cambium forms tissues that form the cork. Do you agree with this statement? Explain.

Yes, I agree with the statement that cork cambium forms tissues that form the cork. Cork cambium, also known as phellogen, is a type of lateral meristem found in the bark of woody stems and roots of certain plants. It is responsible for the production of cork cells (phellem) that constitute the outer protective layer of the stem or root, known as the cork or periderm.

Cork cambium is a layer of meristematic tissue that arises from the activity of the vascular cambium or the phloem parenchyma cells. As the cork cambium undergoes cell division, it produces new cells towards both the outer and inner sides. The cells produced towards the outer side differentiate into cork cells, while those produced towards the inner side differentiate into phelloderm cells, which are part of the secondary cortex.

The cork cells produced by the cork cambium are dead at maturity and have several specialized features that make them suitable for their protective function. Cork cells are filled with suberin, a waxy substance that makes them impermeable to water and gases, providing a barrier against desiccation, pathogens, and mechanical damage. Additionally, cork cells have thick cell walls and are arranged in layers, forming a durable and protective outer covering for the plant.

Overall, cork cambium plays a crucial role in the formation of cork tissues, which serve as a protective barrier for the underlying tissues of woody stems and roots. Without the activity of cork cambium, plants would be more susceptible to damage from environmental stresses, pathogens, and physical injuries. Therefore, it is accurate to say that cork cambium forms tissues that form the cork.