These make up the epidermis and are tightly interlocked so that there are no gaps to the environment. In the shoot, these excrete a cuticle that limits water loss. In the root, these do not form a cuticle and form root hairs that increase the surface area for water absorbsion.

• Link to image of a face view of Zebrina leaf epidermis with guard cells lining a stoma, and with basal epidermal cells.

 

• Link to image of a cross section of the epidermis of a Medicago Stem, with a view of a stoma with guard cells and with basal cells of the epidermis.

 

• Link to view of basal epidermal cells in a paradermal section of Syringa (lilac) These are on the left side of the section.