d) passage of a solute against its concentration gradient
Explanation:
When a solute is transported against its concentration gradient, the cells use metabolic energy. To move a substance from the region of its lower concentration to that of its higher concentration, the energy of ATP hydrolysis is utilized. These types of transport mechanisms are called active transports. If ATP hydrolysis is inhibited in a cell, it would not be able to perform the uphill movement of solutes due to the lack of any source of energy to drive the process.
Plant cuticle is a waxy covering over the aerial epidermal cells of all the plants. Waxes are composed of cutin and a various organic solvent-soluble lipids. The cuticle is an extracellular hydrophobic layer which provides protection against desiccation and external environmental stresses. In other words the cucticle helps to retain water and give plants an adavanthe to live terrestrial life.
