B. Examining the Cross Section of a Root
1. Examine a cross-section of a buttercup root under the LPO
2. Locate the cells that are arranged in a star shape at the center. These are the xylem cells. In the spaces between the arms of the star shape are bundles of phloem cells. The xylem and the phloem makes up the vascular cylinder. The vascular cylinder is bounded by a distinct layer of cells called the endodermis lying just inside the endodermis is a layer of cells called the pericycle.
3. Locate the cortex. The cortex is made up of many large, loosely packed cells lying outside the endodermis. Focus some of the cortex cells under the HPO. Notice the grains of starch within the cortex cells.
A. What separates the cortex and the phloem?