Plant Tissues

A collection of cells performing a specific function is called tissue. Plant tissues can be grouped into plant tissue systems each performing specialized functions. A plant tissue system is defined as a functional unit, connecting all organs of a plant. Plant tissue system is also grouped into various tissues based on their functions. Let’s find out more.

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Types of Plant Tissues

Plant tissues can be broadly classified based on the ability of the cells to divide into Merismatic tissue and Permanent tissue.

What is Dermal Tissue System?

Merismatic tissues consist of a group of cells that have the ability to divide. These tissues are small, cuboidal, densely packed cells which keep dividing to form new cells. These tissues are capable of stretching, enlarging and differentiating into other types of tissues as they mature. Meristematic tissues give rise to permanent tissues. Merismatic tissues can be of three types depending on the region where they are present: Apical meristems, lateral meristems, and intercalary meristems.

Permanent tissues are derived from the merismatic tissues and have lost their ability to divide. They have attained their mature form. They are further classified into two types: Simple and complex permanent tissues.

Browse more Topics under Anatomy Of Flowering Plants

• Tissue System
• Stem
• Leaf
• Inflorescence
• Secondary Growth
• Flower
• The Fruit
• The Seed
• Classification of Flowering Plants
• Anatomy of Dicotyledonous and Monocotyledonous Plants

Permanent Tissues

The permanent tissues form the major portion of the plant.

Simple Permanent tissues

• Parenchyma– These tissues are found in the soft parts of a plant such as the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. The cells of this tissue are loosely packed and contain large intercellular spaces between them. Each cell has a vacuole at the center. The functions of parenchyma tissues are storage, photosynthesis, and to help the plant float on water.
• Collenchyma- Are similar to parenchyma cells with thicker cell walls. They are meant to provide mechanical support to the plant structure in parts such as petiole of the leaf.
• Sclerenchyma- The cells of this tissue are dead. They are rigid, contain thick and lignified secondary walls. Their main function is to provide strength and support to parts of the plant.

Complex Permanent Tissue

Unlike simple permanent cells which look the same and are made up of one type of cells, complex permanent tissues are made up of more than one type of cells. These different types of cells coordinate to perform a function. Xylem and Phloem are complex permanent tissues and are found in the vascular bundles in the plants.

Xylem- It consists of tracheids, vessels, xylem parenchyma and xylem fibres. Tracheids and vessels are hollow tube-like structures that help in conducting water and minerals. The xylem conducts only in one direction i.e vertically. The xylem parenchyma is responsible for storing the prepared food and assists in the conduction of water. Xylem fibres are supportive in function.

Phloem- It consists of four of elements: sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem fibres and the phloem parenchyma. Unlike the xylem, phloem conducts in both directions. It is responsible for transporting food from the leaves to the other parts of the plant. Phloem contains living tissues except for fibres that are dead tissues.

Functions of plant tissues