Question

Use your knowledge of lipids to explain why desert plants need the waxy coating on their leaves to survive.

Answer 1

Fats and lipids are hydrophobic which makes them water repelling compounds. Therefore, presence of a waxy coating on the outer skin of the desert plant prevents loss of water via evaporation from the skin of the plants. This helps the plant store water and increases its survival period. Hope this helps ..............)

Answer 2

Desert environments lack water. All plants need water to survive. A waxy coating on plant leaves prevents water loss.