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Botany · Ch 10 — Secondary Growth

Differences Between Phellem and Phelloderm

10.1.6.4

Differences Between Phellem and Phelloderm

Phellem and phelloderm are both produced by the same meristem - the phellogen - yet end up structurally and functionally opposite: one dead and protective, the other living and nutritive. The table below lines up their differences side by side: which face of the phellogen each forms on, how compactly their cells are arranged, whether they are protective or food-synthesising, whether their cells are …

Table 10.1.6.4-t1Differences Between Phellem and Phelloderm
Phellem (Cork)Phelloderm (Secondary cortex)
It is formed on the outer side of phellogenIt is formed on the inner side of phellogen
Cells are compactly arranged in regular tiers and rows without intercellular spacesCells are loosely arranged with intercellular spaces
Protective in functionAs it contains chloroplast, it synthesises and stores food