Plant Tissues: The Secret Life Within Leaves & Stems - Click to Explore!

What are Plant Tissues ?

Plants, like all living organisms, are made up of tiny units called Cells. These  group of cells having same structure, function and origin together to form tissues, which perform specific functions to help the plant grow, transport nutrients, and stay healthy.

Study of Cell - Cytology.

Study of Tissue - Histology.

Father of Histology - Marie Francois Xavier Bichat.

Karl Mayer gave the term Histology.

Types of Plant Tissues 

There are Two Types of Plant Tissues. 

1. Meristematic Tissue.
2. Permanent Tissue.

Meristematic Tissue: The Growth Tissue of Plants :- Meristematic tissue is a special type of plant tissue responsible for growth. It is made up of young, actively dividing cells that help the plant get bigger and develop new parts like leaves, stems and roots.

Types of Meristematic Tissue 

There are three main types of meristematic tissue based on where they are found in the plant:

1. Apical Meristem (Tip Growth) 

• Found at the tips of roots and shoots.
• Helps the plant grow taller and roots grew deeper.
• Example: The growing tip of a plant where new leaves of flowers form.

2. Lateral Meristem (Width Growth)

• Found in the sides of stems and roots.
• Helps the plant grow thicker and stronger.
• Example: The rings in a tree trunk that show how much it has grown each year.

3. Intercalary Meristem (Middle Growth)

• Found at the base of leaves or stems (especially in grasses and bamboo).
• Helps plants grow quickly after being cut.
• Example: Grass growing back after being mowed.

Permanent Tissue: The Functional tissue of Plants :- Permanent tissue is made up of plant cells that have stopped dividing and now perform specific functions like Support, Storage and Transport. These cells come from meristematic tissue but have matured to help the plant survive and function properly.

Types of Permanent Tissue

There are two main types : 

1. Simple Permanent Tissue ( One type of cell) :- This tissue is made of only one type of cell and helps with storage, support and protection.

(a) Parenchyma (Storage & Photosynthesis Tissue)

• Soft, living cells found in leaves, roots and fruits.
• Helps in Storing food and water.
• In leaves, they contain chlorophyll and help in photosynthesis.
• Example: The fleshy part of fruits like apples and potatoes.

(b) Collenchyma (Flexible Support Tissue)

• Provides support and flexibility to young plants.
• Cells have thickened cell walls, making stems strong but bendable.
• Example: The crunchy strands in celery.

(c) Sclerenchyma (Hard Protective Tissue)

• Made of dead cells with very thick walls for strength.
• Provides hardness and protection to plant parts.
• Example: Coconut husk, Nutshells, and Wood.

2. Complex Permanent Tissue (More than one types of cell) :- These tissues help in transporting water, minerals and food in plants.

(a) Xylem (Water Transport Tissue)

• Carries water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.
• Made of dead, hollow cells that form long tubes.
• Example: Wood in trees is mostly xylem.

(b) Phloem (Food Transport Tissue)

• Transport food (Sugar) made in the leaves to other parts of the plant.
• Made of living cells.
• Example: The inner bark of trees contains Phloem.

Plant Tissues : The Secret life within Leaves & Stems | Biology | Important for all Exams