Question

The correct differentiating point between trichome and root hair is

• A. root hair is an epidermal structure while trichome is a hypodermal structure.
• B. root hair is multicellular while trichome is unicellular.
• C. root hair helps in water absorption while trichome helps in prevention of water loss.
• D. root hair may be branched or unbranched but trichome is always branched.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The root hairs are unicellular, unbranched elongations of the epidermal cells and help absorb water and minerals from the soil. The epidermal hairs on the stem are called trichomes. The trichomes are usually multicellular. They may be branched or unbranched and soft or stiff. They may even be secretory. The trichomes help in preventing water loss due to transpiration.