Describe briefly the anatomy of a dicot root.
In a dicot root, the outermost layer is epidermis. The cortex consists of several layers of thin-walled parenchyma cells with intercellular spaces the innermost layer of cortex is called endodermis. The walls of endodermal cells have a deposition of water impermeable, waxy material suberin in the form of casparian strips.
Next layer to the endodermis is thick-walled parenchymatous cells called pericycle. The pith is small and inconspicuous. There are usually two to four xylem and phloem patches. Later, a cambium ring develops between the xylem and phloem. All tissues on the innerside of the endodermis such as pericycle, vascular bundles and pith form the stele.