The innermost layer of the cortex in plant roots that controls the movement of water and dissolved substances into the vascular system. The endodermis contains the Casparian strip, a waxy barrier that forces selective transport.
From Greek 'endon' (within) and 'derma' (skin), meaning 'inner skin,' coined in the 19th century. The term reflects its position as the innermost boundary layer of the root cortex.
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