Question

what would most likely happen to plants if they did not have a waxy outer coating? they would store more water in their leaves. they would photosynthesize at a faster rate. they would store more sugars in their leaves. they would be harmed by insects and uv radiation.

Explanation:

The waxy outer coating (cuticle) on plants serves as a protective barrier. It helps prevent water loss (so it doesn't make them store more water), has no direct relation to increasing the rate of photosynthesis (which is mainly related to factors like light, chlorophyll, etc.) or storing more sugars (sugar storage is related to processes like phloem transport and storage organs). However, it does protect against physical damage from insects (acts as a physical barrier insects have to overcome) and also provides some protection against harmful UV radiation (similar to how sunscreen protects our skin). So without it, plants would be more vulnerable to harm from insects and UV radiation.

Answer:

They would be harmed by insects and UV radiation.