Explain the significance of the following:
$(a)$ Hair-like structures on epidermal cells
$(b)$ Epidermis has a thick waxy coating of cutin in desert plants
$(c)$ Small pores in the epidermis of a leaf
$(d)$ Numerous layers of epidermis in cactus
$(e)$ Presence of a chemical suberin in cork cells.

(N/A) These structures,known as root hairs,increase the total surface area for the absorption of water and minerals from the soil.
$(b)$ Cutin is a waterproof,waxy substance. In desert plants,it prevents excessive water loss through transpiration and protects the plant from intense heat by reflecting sunlight.
$(c)$ These pores,known as stomata,facilitate gaseous exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and the process of transpiration.
$(d)$ Multiple layers of epidermis in cactus act as a protective barrier to prevent excessive water loss in arid environments.
$(e)$ Suberin is a chemical that makes the cell walls of cork cells impervious to gases and water,providing protection and preventing desiccation.