A specialized outer tissue layer in plant roots that functions similarly to the epidermis, protecting the root and controlling water uptake.
From Greek 'exo-' (outside), 'derma' (skin), and Latin feminine noun suffix '-is'. This botanical term developed in the 19th century as plant anatomists distinguished specialized root tissues.
Plant exodermis is like a bouncer for the root—it's a selective barrier that decides what water and minerals get to enter the root, and when a plant gets old, the exodermis becomes waterproof to reduce uptake, like closing a door.
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