Epidermal cells are often modified to perform specialized functions in plants. Name some of them and the function they perform.

Some of modified epidermal cells to perform specialized functions in plants with their functions are as follows:

i. Root Hair: It increases the surface area for absorption of water and minerals from the soils. Root hairs are unicellular elongations of the epidermal cells.

ii. Trichomes: They are also known as stem hairs. They help in water loss prevention during transpiration. Some trichomes have stinging purpose while others have glandular secretions. They may be unicellular or multicellular.

iii. Bulliform cells: Bulliform cells are present in grasses. They help in closing the stomata under stressful conditions and this prevents water loss. Bulli form cells are the modified adaxial epidermal cells along the veins in grasses. Bulliform cells are large, empty, colourless cells.