Plant Tissues

What is Plant Tissue?

Plants are multicellular eukaryotes having tissue systems. The cells of these tissues carry different functions. Plant tissues are made up of similar cells that carry specific functions. The tissues group to form organs. Each organ also carries a specific function in the plant.

Plant tissues play an important role in the growth and development of plants. The major role of plant tissues also includes the transport of nutrients and water across the plants through the tissue system.

What are the types of plant tissue?

In plants, tissues group together and perform specific functions. these issues are divided into two types: meristematic and permanent tissues. Let us discuss them briefly below.

1. Meristematic tissues – They are responsible for growth in the plants and continuously divide.
2. Permanent tissues – They are differentiated tissues that have lost their ability to divide, but perform specialized functions.

Let us dive deep into them, and understand how these tissue systems work.

Meristematic Tissues

These tissues are small and undifferentiated. They can divide continuously. Due to this, they can promote the growth of the plants, both in length and girth. Meristematic tissues are categorized further based on their location in the plant.

Apical meristems

• They are responsible for primary growth in plants.
• They are present at the roots and shoots of the plant.
• Example – Apical meristems cause trees to extend their branches and roots continuously.

Lateral meristems

1. They are found at the sides of the stems and roots.
2. These tissues are responsible for secondary growth.
3. Lateral meristems increase the thickness of the plant.
4. Example – vascular cambium and cork cambium are responsible for the thickening of the trunk of the tree.

Intercalary meristems

• These tissues are located at the base of leaves or internodes.
• Found in grasses, helps the plant grow from parts other than the tips.
• It contributes to the regeneration of tissues, especially after grazing or cutting of grasses.

Permanent tissues

These tissues are specialized for functions. Once the meristematic tissues mature, they convert into permanent tissues. This permanent tissue further helps in providing protection, transport, and support to the plants. Permanent tissues are further classified into simple tissues and complex tissues.

Simple tissues

• They contain only one type of cell.
• Parenchyma cells perform various functions such as storage, photosynthesis, and repair.
• Collenchyma provides structural support, particularly in regions of new growth.
• Sclerenchyma cells provide mechanical support and strength to the plant.
• They are also responsible for the hardening of seeds and nuts, and the toughness of fibers.

Complex tissues

1. They contain more than one type of cells and perform complex functions as the name suggests.
2. The xylem and phloem are the two types of complex tissues.
3. Xylem is responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from root to shoot.
4. Phloem in plants helps in the transport of nutrients, particularly sugar from leaves to the other parts of the plant.

Dermal Tissues

Dermal tissues are those tissues that are present on the outer surface of the plant and provide protection.

1. Dermal tissues are also found on the outer layer of roots, stems, and leaves.
2. The primary function of the dermal tissues is transpiration.
3. In addition to protection, it helps in water retention and gas exchange.
4. The epidermis, in dermal tissues, secretes waxy cuticles to prevent water loss.
5. Periderm in woody plants replaces the epidermis in older regions.
6. Cork cells present in the periderm help in providing support and reducing water loss.

Do Check: Epidermis Plant Tissue

Ground Tissues

Ground tissues are present in the space between the dermal and vascular tissues. They work as a support system for the plants. It comprises parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma cells and promotes different functions as per their location in plants.

Ground tissues in leaves participate in photosynthesis, whereas stems and roots provide support and storage.

Plant Tissue Functions

There are several functions plant tissues provide to both nature and humans. Let us know them in the below pointers to improve our knowledge about it.

1. Plant tissues like apical meristems help in the growth of the plant from its root and the shoot area.
2. Lateral meristems help in increasing the thickness of the plant, mainly at it root and shoot.
3. Parenchyma cells help in storage providing nutrients and repairing of tissues.
4. Sclerenchyma cells provide rigid structural support to plants.
5. Xylem and phloem help in transporting water nutrients and minerals across the plants.

Also Check: Plant Tissue Culture

FAQs on Plant Tissues

What are plant tissues?

Plants are multicellular eukaryotic organisms with tissue systems. Plant tissues are important for plant growth and development. Plant tissues play an important function in transporting nutrients and water throughout the plant via the tissue system.

What is the difference between meristematic and permanent tissues?

Meristematic tissues are actively dividing cells, while permanent tissues are made up of cells that have stopped dividing. Meristematic tissues promote growth, while permanent tissues provide mechanical support.

How do collenchyma tissues support plant growth?

They provide flexible support to growing parts of the plant, such as stems and leaves.

What are sclerenchyma tissues and where are they found?

They are characterized as thick-walled, lignified cells that provide rigid support to the plant. They are often found in older parts of the plant, such as stems, bark, and hard seed coats.

How do epidermal tissues protect plants?

They form a protective outer covering on the plant’s surface, preventing water loss.