2. Cork cambium forms tissues that form the cork. Do you agree with this statement? Explain.
Cork cambium or phellogen is the secondary meristem that develops in the region of cortex to replace the outer epidermal cells that will provide protection to the stem and root from infections. Cork cambium is composed of thin-walled rectangular cells and it cuts off cells on both sides. The outer cells differentiate to form cork or phellem while the inner cells differentiate into secondary cortex or phelloderm. Together, the phellogen, phellem, and phelloderm constitute the periderm. The cork is impervious to water but allows gaseous exchange through the lenticels. Hence, cork cambium forms tissues that form the cork