Epicarp cross cells

FIGURE 4.3 Microphotograph detailing the microstructure of the pericarp and aleurone layer of the sorghum caryopsis. E = epicarp M = mesocarp S = starch granules CC = epicarp cross cells T = epicarp tube cells SC = seed coat or testa A = aleurone cells P = peripheral endosperm (courtesy of C. McDonough and L. W. Rooney, Texas A M University). 

Epicarp, or outer covering tissue, composed of colorless epidermal cells and small stomata. The epidermal cells in cross-section appear rectangular, while in surface view they are both polygonal and rectangular. 

The oil cells of citrus fruit are situated just under the surface in the epicarp, also called avedo, in the colored area of the fruit. Figure 5.4 is a cross section of the different parts of the fruit also showing the juice cells present in the fruit. An essential oil is also present in the juice cells. However, the amount of oil present in the juice cells is very much smaller than the amount present in the avedo also their composition differs from each other. 

The pericarp is the part of the kernel that covers the seed, and it contains several cellular layers. The main cellular layers are the epicarp, mesocarp, and endocarp. The endocarp is subdivided into intermediate, cross, and tube cells (Figure 4.3). Some cereal grains such as maize and sorghum also contain an external wax layer that has a protective role. The epicarp or epidermis is the outermost layer of the pericarp. The epicarp cells are elongated rectangles with thin cell walls. The mesocarp and endocarp vary in thickness and number of layers, depending on the type of... 

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See also in sourсe #XX -- [ ]

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